The Texas Department of Agriculture activated two disaster relief programs Wednesday as the fast-moving Ross Wildfire threatened farms, ranches and livestock operations in Palo Pinto and Jack counties. Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller opened the State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund and the agency’s Hay and Feed Hotline.
The fire had burned approximately 80,000 acres and was 12% contained as of Wednesday morning, Aug. 26, according to a news release issued that day by the department. More than 1,000 area residents have been evacuated while firefighters and first responders continue to battle the blaze, the agency said.
“This fire has moved with extraordinary speed, threatening livestock, fences, barns and generations of hard work,” Commissioner Miller said in the release. “We are activating TDA’s disaster resources now so producers know where to turn when it is safe to assess the damage and begin rebuilding.”
Administered by TDA, the STAR Fund provides grants to eligible farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses to help repair or replace agricultural infrastructure damaged by natural disasters, the department said. Producers may request financial assistance by calling (833) 380-8282, and donations can be made online through the TDA website. The agency said contributions are tax-deductible.
“Every contribution helps us provide more assistance to Texas farmers and ranchers,” Commissioner Miller said. “We rely on Texans’ generosity. I’m asking Texans, agricultural organizations and businesses to step forward for our North Texas neighbors.”
The Hay and Feed Hotline is a free service that connects hay and feed donors with agricultural producers in need, the department said, and can be reached at (877) 429-1998. Producers affected by the wildfire can also reach the AgriStress Helpline, a free and confidential crisis resource available around the clock for farmers, ranchers and rural Texans, by calling or texting (833) 897-2474.
According to the release, members of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association who need help with livestock are encouraged to contact their local TSCRA Special Ranger, who can connect producers with available resources. Graham Livestock Commission has offered the Old Mineral Wells Sale Barn at 2805 N. Oak Ave. in Mineral Wells as a temporary holding and shelter location for displaced livestock.
The department cautioned that conditions remain dangerous and can change rapidly, urging residents to follow evacuation orders and to wait until local authorities say it is safe before returning to assess agricultural damage. Texans can monitor current wildfire conditions through the Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Viewer.