High Plains communities, fire departments, agencies advise how to help first responders amid wildfires

29.02.2024 15:18

Kxan.com

High Plains communities, fire departments, agencies advise how to help first responders amid wildfires

The City of Borger provided a list on its Facebook page of actions citizens can take to help first responders in a crisis.

New developments and updates on the wildfires in the High Plains region can be found here.

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Across the high plains, fire departments, cities, and other organizations are advising how to help first responders and are giving options to those affected by the ongoing evacuations and fires.

The Wheeler County Emergency Management announced on social media items needed for local fire departments and encouraged those to help supply the local departments including:

Electrolyte Drinks such as Gatorade or Propel;
Energy Drinks;
Hydration Powders;
Eye Wash;
Facial Wipes;
Chap Stick;
Pain Relievers;
Window Cleaner; and
Snacks.

Fire departments in the area

The current fire departments in the affected area include:

Kelton Volunteer Fire Department, 16726 FM 2697, Wheeler, TX 79096
Allison Fire Department, PO Box 25, Allison, TX 79003
Hoover Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 820, Pampa, TX 79066-0820
Lefors Volunteer Fire Department, 107 N. Main, Lefors, TX 79054
- Venmo - @leforsfiredept
Mobeetie Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 50, Mobeetie, TX 79061
Miami Roberts County Volunteer Fire Department, 214 N Main St, Miami, TX 79059
McLean Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 212, McLean, TX 79057
Skellytown Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 327, Skellytown, TX 79080
Perryton Volunteer Fire Department, 13 SE Second Ave, Perryton, TX 79070
White Deer Volunteer Fire Department, 210 S Omohundro, White Deer, TX 79097
Shamrock Volunteer Fire Department, 400 N Main Street, Shamrock, TX 79079
- Cash App - $SVFDLadiesAuxiliary
- Venmo - @svfd-ladiesaux
Briscoe Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 111, Briscoe TX 79011, 16425 FM 1046
Wellington Volunteer Fire Department, 1505 8th St, Wellington, TX 79095
Wheeler Volunteer Fire Department, 200 E 6th, Wheeler, TX 79096
Panhandle Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 1027, Panhandle, TX 79068
Spearman Fire Department, PO Box 37, Spearman, TX 79081
Canadian Volunteer Fire Department, 5 Main Street, Canadian, TX 79014
Crutch Ranch Volunteer Fire Department, 9594 Crutch Ranch Road, Borger, TX 79008
Dalhart Volunteer Fire Department, 110 Denrock Ave, Dalhart, TX 79022
Stinnett Volunteer Fire Department, E 8th Street, Stinett, TX 79083
Fritch Volunteer Fire Department, 104 N Hoyne Ave, Fritch, TX 79036
- Cash App- $FVFDAssociation
Gruver FD, 302 Cartor, Gruver, TX 79040
Stratford Volunteer Fire Department, 401 2nd Street, Stratford, TX 79084
Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 364, Clarendon TX 79226,
Memphis Volunteer Fire Department, 721 Robertson Street, Memphis, TX 79245
Sunray Volunteer Fire Department, 910 Main Street, Sunray, TX 79086
Dumas Fire Department, 106 N Bliss Ave, Dumas, TX 79029
Wingate Volunteer Fire Department, 1521 Texas Highway 153, Wingate, TX 79566
Washburn Community & Volunteer Fire Department, 201 Duncan St, Claude, TX 79019

The City of Skellytown

The City of Skellytown announced on Wednesday that the Skellytown Volunteer Fire Department is in need of items including:

Eye drops;
Snacks;
Hydration additives; and
Money donations are also encouraged.

Items may be dropped off at Skellytown City Hall located at 500 Chamberlain Street.

The City of Pampa

The City of Pampa announced on social media that monetary donations and livestock feed and hay are what is needed most regarding donations.

According to the post, places for those wishing to donate any monetary donations and/or livestock feed and hay include:

City of Pampa, Attn: Finance, PO Box 2499, Pampa, Tx 79066-2499
By Phone or In-Person - FirstBank Southwest Pampa, 321 W. Francis, please reference City of Pampa Donation for Smokehouse Creek Fire, 806-665-2341
- Livestock Feed and Hay301 Bull Barn Drive (Area behind the Clyde Carruth Pavilion) Pampa, TX 79066
  - Contact: M Lee Preuninger, County Extension Agent, 806-669-8033

The City of Borger

Update: Wednesday, 4:29 p.m.

The City of Borger said the Dome will remain open to accept and distribute donations until 6 p.m., tonight and will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow. Officials offer those who have been affected by the fires and are in need to stop by the Dome or the Celebration Church in Fritch.

Original update:

The City of Borger provided a list on its Facebook page of actions citizens can take to help first responders in a crisis.

Below is a provided list of actions citizens can take to help first responders in a crisis:

Follow instructions: If authorities issue evacuation orders or safety instructions, follow them promptly to ensure your safety and to avoid impeding first responders. Have a “go” plan for your family!
Clear the way: Keep roads and pathways clear for emergency vehicles to navigate easily to and from the scene of the fire. Clear your yard from debris, and water it down if necessary.
Provide information: If you have relevant information about a fire, such as its location or any hazards nearby, share it with emergency services to assist their efforts. You can call dispatch at 806-273-0930.
Offer support: Food and water are great; however, the process to get those items where they are needed safely can be tedious. Consider donating financially to local volunteer fire stations. Money covers a multitude of things and takes very little manpower to distribute. Stinnett Fire Department and Fritch Volunteer Firefighter's Association are volunteer-based organizations on the front lines. We are working to get information on how to donate and where. Please do NOT get scammed. Scammers tend to prey on situations like this.
Stay informed: Stay updated on the situation through the everbridge alert system, and official channels.

The City of Borger also announced on Wednesday morning that a donation center was opened at the Borger Dome Civic and Convention Center, located at 1113 Bulldog Blvd. in Borger, welcoming non-perishable food items, toiletries, diapers and other essential supplies. However, officials asked that community members withhold donations of clothing and household items.

The City of Borger also announced confirmed ways to donate financially including through:

Pantex FCU;
Amarillo National Bank/Borger Bank;
Red Cross;
Amarillo Area Foundation;
Fritch Volunteer Fire Department; and
Stinnett Volunteer Fire Department.

The City of Fritch

The City of Fritch officials reported on social media a drop-off location for donations for the fire department, and donations will be accepted until 5 p.m. today. Officials noted to call 806-678-7847 for large donations like pallets of water, and donations will be distributed to all responding agencies as needed.

The Fritch Volunteer Fire Department also posted their Cash App QR-code on social media to encourage monetary donations from the community:

The Red Cross - Panhandle Plains Chapter

The Red Cross Panhandle Plains Chapter reports on its website that the best way to help in the event of a disaster is by donating via mail, phone, or online.

The Cactus Cove Inn - Amarillo

The Cactus Cove Inn posted on social media that the inn is waiving deposits and offering special rates for those who were affected by wildfires and community evacuations and are in need of a place to stay. Those looking to book are encouraged to call 806-905-6089.

The Amarillo Area Foundation

The Amarillo Area Foundation officials posted on social media to remind those of the Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund. The foundation has not officially deployed this fund for these specific disasters, but foundation officials noted that could change at any moment with wildfires.

AAF said the fund was created specifically for instances like the wildfires that are spreading through the Texas Panhandle.

Clay Stribling, CEO and President of AAF, said monetary donations are used to help immediate term and long-term needs of the communities that have been impacted by disasters. He said the foundation wants to be there for the communities today and also six months down the road if they still need assistance.

"The challenging part of this disaster is that it is impacting so many communities simultaneously," Stribling said. "We have people who are being displaced in Fritch, in Canadian. We have people who are impacted in Miami and many communities. We've got one that is still going out near Boys Ranch. All of these communities are going to have needs and it's important that we get these funds and get out ahead of all of these because it is going to be a catastrophic event in our region."

Those looking to donate can visit the Amarillo Area Foundation website.

Shelby's Dawgs Food Stand - Amarillo

Shelby's Dawgs announced on its Facebook page that it will have a donation box for money and items at its locations for the next few weeks.

Dawgs said it will also donate 10% of its profit for the next few weeks as its own contribution.

"As an Ag-based small business my heart hurts desperately for the livestock and ranchers affected by this devastating fire," said Dawgs.

Easy Peasy's Lemonade - Amarillo

According to Easy Peasy's Facebook page, the owners have announced that from Feb. 28 through March 2, the stand will collect donations for the counties that have been affected by the wildfires.

Further, Easy Peasy’s stated that it will donate 10% of its sales to the counties affected by the wildfires.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association announced that it is asking donors to give to the TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund amid widespread wildfires impacting the Texas Panhandle and Western Oklahoma.

The press release stated that donations will aid victims of the ongoing natural disasters.

"A fire is one of the most tragic events that can impact ranches, and a natural disaster such as the widespread wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma can result in financial hardships and deep impacts to our ranching communities," said TSCRA President Arthur Uhl. "Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is here to help through means of financial assistance and we're encouraging those who can donate to the TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund."

For more information, including how to donate and apply for funding, click here.

King Country Trailer and Repair - Amarillo

King Country Trailer and Repair in Amarillo announced that the business is a drop-off location for donations and will be hauling a trailer to affected areas.

Those wishing to donate any items but are unable to make it to King Country Trailer and Repair are encouraged to call 806-881-8133.

Roll the Dice BBQ - Pampa

Roll the Dice BBQ in Pampa announced on social media that the food truck will be providing food to first responders. The food truck is also asking for donations to help offset the cost and those wishing to donate can Venmo Chad Epperson at @rollthedivebbq.

Amarillo Sod Poodles Baseball

The Amarillo Sod Poodles Baseball announced on social media that the team is gathering items for the community of Canadian.

According to the post, donations of clothes, nonperishable food, and sanitary items are being accepted and put on a semi-truck located on 3rd and Johnson at the East side of the Amarillo Civic Center Complex.

YOLOS Restaurant and Food Truck - Amarillo

Officials with YOLO's Restaurant and Food Truck announced that it is taking supplies and cash donations to first responders and community members affected by recent wildfires.

Officials noted that today's supply will leave at 1:30 p.m., but those wishing to donate can do so during regular business hours between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Bubba's 33 - Amarillo

Bubba's 33 in Amarillo announced on social media that the restaurant will be taking donations for the City of Fritch for the rest of the week. The restaurant is accepting donations of canned goods. beef jerky, water, Gatorade, and other nonperishables as well as baby wipes, batteries, Tylenol, or ibuprofen.

Donations can be dropped off at Bubba's 33 where a volunteer will be there with a container to take them. Micheal Davila, store marketing manager, said any donation is greatly appreciated.

"Right now with the cities being closed, there is no place to retrieve any of the supplies," Davila said. "Right now we are trying to do everything we can to make life easier for them. If we can do that and take it over there for them, then that is what we're gonna do."

Keith Sullivan, managing partner, said this disaster is personal for the store because one of the employees was affected by the fires.

"It's more about the family," Sullivan said. "We have an employee who was significantly impacted. Her home and her parent's home were impacted by these fires. To see the devastation in my employee's eyes was tough to take."

High Plains Food Bank

The High Plains Food Bank announced on social media that they have set up a Texas Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund that will help provide food or water to the communities affected by the wildfires and will give the food bank needed resources to respond. Those wishing to donate can visit the High Plains Food Bank website.

Amarillo Performing Arts Center

The Amarillo Performing Arts Center announced on their social media that the $45 enrollment fee for new students will be donated to wildfire relief efforts and for those who book a summer camp, APAC will donate $25 towards wildfire relief for each booking.

Starbucks - Amarillo locations

Amarillo Starbucks locations announced they are accepting donations, in association with the West Texas Wild Fire Donations, of water, blankets, instant foods, protein bars, nonperishables, diapers and baby wipes.

Amarillo Fire Department

The Amarillo Fire Department announced that residents can make donations such as fresh food and hard goods to the department by contacting 806-273-0955. Officials said to contact the number for directions to donate safely.

Planet Fitness - Amarillo

Officials with Planet Fitness's Amarillo Club located at 3801 Olsen Blvd announced that it will be providing its showers and locker room for first responders and dispatched citizens during the wildfire. This location is also accepting donations such as food items, toiletries, diapers, and essential supplies that will be delivered to the Borger Dome Civic and Convention Center. Contact officials at (806) 358-8000 for more information.

Comanche Gas Solutions - Comanche

Comanche Gas Solutions announced on social media that the business will be taking trailers of supplies on Thursday and the upcoming weekend to ranchers affected by the fires.

In the post, the business is requesting supplies including:

Cattle/Alfalfa cubes;
Mineral Tubs;
Fencing Supplies;
Grain and Hay;
Buckets;
Water (by the case);
Baby wipes;
Granola bars and snacks; and
Pet food.

For any questions or donations call 325-455-0048

Canadian AH&N

Officials with Canadian AH&N announced that it will act as a Fire Relief Supply Point but phones and electricity are still out. Canadian AH&N added that donations can be made through Venmo at "FireReliefFund" Under Wes Avent. Officials added that donations can be mailed to "Fire Relief Fund, P.O. Box 300, Canadian, TX 79014" as well as in person.

For more information contact (806)-282-9534.

City of Fritch

Officials with the City of Fritch announced that the Fritch Fire Department, the Celebration Family Church, and Fritch City Hall are not taking any more donations at this time.

Officials said they are currently overstocked at this time.

Taqueria MTZ - Amarilo

In a partnership with Easy Peasy's, Taqueria MTZ food truck announced on social media that the truck will be accepting monetary donations that will all proceed to local charities and straight to the communities that were affected by the wildfires.

In the social media post, Taqueria MTZ said, "We would not be the business we are today without the loving support of our community here in the Texas Panhandle, so we want to give back and help those that were affected as much as we possibly can."

Cox Insurance - Canadian

The Cox Insurance Spread the word that all are welcome to swing by for FREE breakfast burritos tomorrow morning - being served in front of our office on Main Street! Come by & let us serve this community that we dearly love.

Texas Panhandle VOAD

Officials with Texas Panhandle VOAD announced that they will be stationed at Fairlanes Baptist Church for Hutchinson County residents affected by the fire. VOAD said from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., residents can register for case management, receive supplies for their babies, access to an emergency food box legal help if needed as well as help with reporting damage in iStat.

USDA

Officials with USDA announced that they are offering a variety of programs to help farmers, ranchers, communities, and businesses that have been hard hit by natural disaster events.

Party Stop - All locations

All Party Stop locations will be accepting donations for the communities affected by the Texas Panhandle wildfires with all proceeds going to local charities.

Officials with Party Stop also noted that Party Stop will be matching the total donations.

Canadian Middle School

Officials with the Canadian Independent School District announced on the Canadian Elementry School Facebook page that the Canadian Middle School is accepting donations for those in need including: