By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Wildfires continue to burn across parts of Texas, sparking Gov. Greg Abbott to issue a disaster declaration for 15 counties late last week.

Those counties include Blanco, Brooks, Brown, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Erath, Grayson, Hood, Mason, Potter, Randall, Runnels, Starr and Williamson.

“The state of Texas is working alongside local officials to respond to these critical fire conditions throughout several Texas counties,” Abbott said. “I commend the hard work and selfless acts of thousands of first responders and fire fighters who are risking their own lives to protect our communities.”

Ongoing wildfires in Eastland County have covered over 54,000 acres, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Dry, windy conditions fueled the fires, but officials hope the rain forecast for Monday afternoon and night brings much-needed relief to the area.

Donations of hay, feed and fencing supplies are being collected for those impacted by the fires.

“These donations will go directly to those who need them as soon as possible,” said Dr. Monty Dozier, AgriLife Extension director of Disaster Assessment Recovery. “Texans are known for their generosity and deep values of Texas agriculture during times of need. This is certainly a situation where our neighbors and friends are needing assistance after losing some, if not all, of their livelihoods.”

Donation locations and contact information:

Primary contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Donations Hotline: 979-314-8200

Secondary contact: Gorman Milling Company Inc.

Fiber Plant, 1200 East Townsend, Gorman, Texas 76454

Red Chain Feed Mill, Luke Fritts, 254-734-2252

For a list of state resources, visit tdem.texas.gov/disasters/2022-march-wildfires.

For the latest wildfire map, visit the Texas A&M Forest Service’s website.