Response Updates

Texas & Oklahoma Wildfire Response

USA Reported by Convoy of Hope

Photo above: Convoy of Hope picks up donated hay to deliver to ranchers who lost their supply in the recent wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma.

March 7, 2024 | 12:08 p.m.

Just as every disaster is unique, so is each of Convoy of Hope’s responses. Convoy provides the basics β€” food, water, and hygiene supplies β€” during each disaster, but occasionally responses require some creative resources.

With wildfires burning more than 1.2 million acres in Texas and over 150,000 acres in Oklahoma, ranchers in the area have lost their livelihoods. Even as firefighters gain control over the wildfires, state agriculture experts say it could be years before farms and ranches fully recover. 

Convoy of Hope has partnered with the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation to deliver hay bales to ranchers so they can feed their cattle during recovery. 

Convoy is committed to meeting the unique needs of disaster survivors. Whether it’s food and water, clean-up kits and tarps, or bales of hay, Convoy brings help and hope to those in need.

March 4, 2024 | 4:28 p.m.

Wildfires are still burning across the Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma. As of this afternoon, the largest of the fires β€” the Smokehouse Creek Fire β€” is only 15% contained

Convoy of Hope is working to distribute essential supplies to first responders and people displaced by the fires. More supplies will leave Convoy’s warehouse this week, including sports drinks, water, shovels, totes, hygiene kits, and more. 

Photo above: Hunter Cooper helps clean up the Sanchez residence in the snow, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Canadian, Texas. (AP Photo/David Erickson)

Convoy is in consistent communication with partners on the ground to determine how to meet the needs of those affected by the fires.

February 29, 2024 | 9:48 a.m.

The largest and most destructive wildfire in state history is ripping across the Texas Panhandle, killing one person and destroying at least 1.1 million acres of homes, cattle, and livelihoods. The Smokehouse Creek Fire has crossed the border into Oklahoma, closed highways, and prompted evacuations. 

Relief supplies from Convoy of Hope are en route to the affected area. Convoy is communicating with multiple local partners throughout Texas and Oklahoma to assess needs as they arise. As local fires become contained, evacuation orders lifted, and highways cleared, Convoy will move into the disaster zone and distribute additional relief supplies to people in need.

The fire is only roughly 3% contained. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration, urging Texans to limit activities that could create sparks and make the fires worse as more hot and dry weather conditions are expected to continue in the coming days. 

For Fritch β€” a small town in the Panhandle β€” this wildfire comes just a decade after another devastating blaze left the town digging through rubble. 

β€œToday your Fritch Volunteer Fire Department mourns for our community and those around it,” the department posted Wednesday morning on Facebook. β€œWe are tired, we are devastated but we will not falter. We will not quit.”

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