OSU seeks to improve disaster impact

Wildfire recovery and donations in Ellis County on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. (Photo by Mitchell Alcala/OSU Agriculture)

In February, wildfires in western Oklahoma, fueled by hot and dry conditions and high winds, destroyed at least 18 homes, 1,180 head of cattle, 75,000 bales of hay and 431 miles of fence.

Through a National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant, OSU Extension is developing a tool for measuring the full extent of damages from the February fire.

Extension educators and specialists are creating damage categories through interviews with wildfire victims and comparing the categories to those in the existing Ag Damage Assessment and Economic Loss tool.

Faculty have produced new OSU Extension fact sheets and videos for ranchers affected by the fires, especially native Spanish speakers or those who are new to ranching.

To learn more about disaster assistance in OSU Extension, contact Amy Hagerman at [email protected].