SOUTHERN PLAINS (RFD NEWS) — The massive wildfire burning in the Oklahoma Panhandle has grown significantly over the past 24 hours, putting farms and ranches across the region at risk.
According to the Oklahoma Forestry Service, the Ranger Road Fire has now burned an estimated 283,000 acres and is 15 percent contained. That is nearly double the size reported at this time yesterday, when the fire had consumed roughly 145,000 acres. Fire officials say the blaze has also spread north into Kansas.
A map released by state officials shows the vast footprint of the fire and the scale of the threat facing rural communities across the region.
Farmers Take Action to Protect Land and Livestock
Video shared from the Panhandle shows farmers and ranchers taking immediate action as the fire advanced. Footage shot by Cody Fischer outside Tyrone, Oklahoma, captures him abandoning lunch plans and climbing onto his tractor to begin disking a fire line — doing everything possible to slow the fire’s spread.
Fischer is not alone. Multiple videos circulating on social media show producers across the region working to create firebreaks and protect pastures, livestock, and infrastructure.
Fencing Losses Could Be Biggest Blow to Ranchers
The value of disaster assistance is on full display across the Southern Plains right now as wildfires continue to move through the region.
Kansas farmer and friend of RFD NEWS, John Jenkinson, says resources are already being stretched thin.
“I did talk to an official at the FSA office this morning in one of the counties that was affected,” Jenkinson said. “He says they’ve already had multiple phone calls from people filing for disaster assistance through losing CRP and also through a lot of the pasture ground that was just burned. Remember, this was over 145,000 acres estimated so far today. The wind is just down a little bit — we’re down to about 20, 25, 30 mile-per-hour winds — but some of these fires still need to be contained, and there was a lot of devastation in its path.”
While livestock safety is a concern, experts say one of the most costly impacts for ranchers may be damage to fencing.
“Those are extensive areas,” said Dr. Derrell Peel, livestock marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University. “If they hit facilities, corrals, houses, machinery — those are pretty widespread. But the thing that’s out there everywhere is a lot of fencing.”
Peel said wildfire damage to fencing can vary widely depending on conditions.
“It takes a lot of fencing to cover these areas, so that will be a huge impact,” he said. “Depending on the kind of fire, it either takes the fence completely out or, in some cases, doesn’t damage it too much. But in other cases, it completely wipes out miles and miles of fences.”
Those wildfires are still burning this morning and have now grown to nearly 300,000 acres.
Red Flag Warning Remains in Effect
A Red Flag Warning remains in place across the Oklahoma Panhandle today. The National Weather Service warns that wind gusts could reach 45 miles per hour, creating dangerous conditions for firefighters and increasing the risk of additional fire spread.
How You Can Help: Southern Plains Wildfire Relief Efforts
According to local officials, many have reached out with generous offers to help. Right now, they say the greatest needs are hay, available grass, and financial support.
If you are able to help, please consider contacting or donating through the following locations:
Hay & Feed Drop-Off Locations
Shaw Feedyard
Shaw Feedyard will serve as a drop-off point for hay.
Contact: Ryan Koons at (620) 805-4682 with any questions
Address: 2428 CR 15, Ashland, KS
Ashland Feed & Seed
Ashland Feed & Seed is accepting hay and feed donations.
Main office: (620) 635-2856
Address: 1975 CR U, Ashland, KS 67831
Financial Donations
Cash donations can be made to the Ashland Community Foundation. 100% of donated funds are redistributed directly to those in need. Ways to give:
Donate online at www.ashlandcf.com/donate-today
Mail or drop off donations: Stockgrowers State Bank, 622 Main Street, Ashland, KS 67831
Mail checks to: Ashland Community Foundation, P.O. Box 276, Ashland, KS 67831
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Market Day Report will continue to monitor the Ranger Road Fire’s impact on agriculture and affected rural communities, with updates on air and social platforms as new information becomes available.
