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‘Devastating’ wildfires continue to burn

Wildfires continue to burn in Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas.

The fires are blamed for the deaths of seven people, including three Texas ranch hands who died trying to save cattle. Officials say more than one million acres have been affected

Tom Fanning of May, Oklahoma, Northwest District Vice President of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, drove through the fire-damaged area in Harper County this morning.

“There were still a few fires burning—smaller fires,” Fanning said. “All I can see looking to the southwest from Buffalo is another smoke cloud. It’s hard to tell whether that’s being blown up from previous fires or new smoke. It looks like it’s trying to regenerate today. It’s going to be a rough day on the wind side.”

Fanning says his operation, Buffalo Feeders, has been spared from the fire. But he says many neighboring ranchers have been affected.

“They’re now trying to figure out how they’re going to provide hay and get the cattle fed, and provide welfare care for the calves and cows that have been in the smoke and fire, start rebuilding fence and maintaining their livelihood.

“It’s been a devastating event. But we’ll work through it and come out better on the other side.”

Cattle organizations in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas are helping coordinate relief efforts.

AUDIO: Tom Fanning