Fires in the Panhandle
I have watched several videos of the fires out in the panhandle of Texas this past week. The high winds, low humidity and dry ground all added up to some of the worst fires ever seen. Livestock were scattered and burnt, homes destroyed, entire lifetimes of work and dedication wiped away in just a few minutes. The fires scorched the earth with scenes reminiscent of the book of revelations.
I have fought wild land fires on several occasions, but I’ve never seen anything like what I saw on TV this past week. I have seen men use a weedeater to fight fire on a prescribed burn, but that was low winds, under a very controlled scenario. This week despite many best efforts the fires raged on.
I’ve heard of several heroic acts by firefighters this week. One that stood out was a firefighter that made the decision to let his house burn and save his neighbor’s house. I’ve thought about a lot this week. It really bothers me because I know over ninety percent of firefighters in Oklahoma are volunteers. I hope that guy has good home insurance on his house. If there was ever a guy that deserved a free house, I’d say he should get one.
I looked it up and one of the definitions of leadership mentioned the word “inspire,” I thought that was fitting. How could you not be inspired to help when you see all of the stories about firefighters, farmers and ranchers helping one another. The best definition of leadership says, “when you can encourage, motivate, inspire and challenge your team to produce their best work.”
I read where staging areas were needed for all the supplies that have been donated. I seen a guy offer to bottle feed calves for ranchers that have lost momma cows. He said he’d feed those calves then give them back free of charge. Milk replacer is expensive, that guy said he could take several baby calves.
To donate I encourage you to reach out to the following:
The City of Borger/Hutchinson
County OEM has firmed places to donate:
Pantex Federal Credit Union Amarillo National Bank/ Borger Bank
Red Cross
Amarillo Area Foundation Fritch Volunteer Fire Department
Stinnett
Hutchinson
Way
The local extension agent for hay/ feed donations
Editor Note: The Borger News Herald Is accepting donations of new toys, board games, and books at the Borger NewsHerald 209 N Main street in Borger to help with children of Hutchinson County that have been affected by these fires. As the toys come in, they will open the herald up for kids to come get them as well as delivering toys to Canadian and other affected areas.
Toys can be shipped to: Borger News-Herald, 209 N Main Street, Borger, Texas 79007
Contact Number for the Herald: 806-273-5611
Volunteer
Fire
County
On February 28th, 2024, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the City of Fritch public water system,
The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of March 5th, 2024. If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Fritch City Hall at 806857-3143