'Everyone Is Really Hurt': Texas And Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Assist Wildfire Victims

Wildfires are burning throughout the Texas panhandle and into Oklahoma and have burned more than 1 million acres.

People are traveling to that area to help in any way they can.

Arthur Uhl, the president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association says people are going to need help recovering from these fires for years.

He says the scene throughout the Texas panhandle and Oklahoma is truly devastating.

"Many lost a lot of cattle, many lost a few cattle, it may be that there's quite a few that their business won't survive, its very traumatic, it's very unfortunate," he said.

He says they have five special rangers in the affected areas to help with the emergency response.

"Helping people get out of their houses when towns have been evacuated, helping in those types of situations, opening gates for cattle so they can get out of pastures that are on fire," he said.

He says these fires not only affect people emotionally but can be devastating financially.

The association has a disaster relief fund to help the victims.

"The cost of rebuilding, fences and homes, waterings, and those sort of things, things that they need to get back on their feet," he said.

He says the ranching community is always there to help each other, and this tragedy is no different.

"They affect everyone, large and small, rich and poor, no matter, everyone is really hurt, and so these communities do band together," he said.

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