The Smokehouse Creek Fire has scorched more than a million acres in the northeastern Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma, taking cattle, pastures and infrastructure. The Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture had a chance to assess the agricultural damage herself.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire is now 74% contained and as officials continue to research the cause of the devastation, utility provider, XCel Energy has acknowledged its facilities appear to have been involved in an ignition. A lawsuit filed alleged a downed power line on February 26th is what sparked the initial blaze. It claims Xcel Energy Services and two other utilities failed to properly inspect, maintain and replace the wooden pole.
The wildfires have left many livestock with burnt hooves, udders, eyes and smoke inhalation in their lungs.
A Kansas veterinarian dealt with this issue back in 2017 and says the livestock will need to be evaluated individually as damages will be different for each animal. He advises producers to specifically check the eyes, mouth and udders. If the udder is hard, the cows may not produce adequate colostrum or milk. Bulls should be examined because semen can be affected for up to 60 days from any heat. He says 4-H and FFA students could lend a hand in providing for orphaned calves.
All producers should get in contact with their local veterinarian and the Farm Service Agency to see what assistance may be available.
