**12/18/2021 Since this was written, I have learned of two deaths that are a direct result of the fires. Our hearts and prayers go out to those families of those who have passed away.**
12/17/2021 The area hit by the high winds and wildfires in Kansas this past Wednesday (Dec 15, 2021) is an area that earlier this year was hit with a flash flood that took a large part of Natoma, Kansas. Now they, along with other towns in that area are facing the devastating wildfires that destroyed what had just been re-built. No human lives have been lost to these fires and we pray there aren’t any lost. I know of one burn injury patient is in a Wichita hospital and we pray for a swift and complete recovery. The towns didn’t receive as much damaged as the ranches and farms around these communities, where most farmsteads were lost to the fires. Farmers and ranchers are now homeless and faced with loss of equipment and most of their livestock, which is their only income.
After speaking with many people involved with the cleanup, I can say that everyone is overwhelmed, exhausted, and in shock. They need our help! So, after following some leads, I have contact information for you if you want to help. Because the farmers and ranchers who feed YOU and the world, NEED YOUR HELP!
The Animal Hospital at Plainville, Kansas is taking dog and cat food donations as well as human hygiene products to put together packets for those in need. This is their list: All types of dog and cat food. Human hygiene products: Shampoo, soap, toothpaste/brushes, toilet paper, feminine products, hairbrushes/combs. You might also want to add razors and shaving cream to that list. You can call for address and hours for you to deliver to their office: 785-434-7222.
Monetary donations can be made to Southwind Bank in Russell and Natoma, Kansas. Phone number is 785-483-2300. Web site is Http://www.southwindbank.com. These donations will be administered by the Paradise United Methodist Church. The Paradise United Methodist Church has also set up an on-line donation site where you can donate and designate your donations for the Wildfire relief: https://paradiseks.churchtrac.com . Please designate on your donations : Paradise Area Fire Relief.
There hasn’t been an estimated count on the number of cattle lost as they are still searching for and euthanizing those that are beyond medical help and gathering those surviving animals. Many horses are victims of the fires, some were taken to local veterinarians, and several were taken to the Kansas State University Veterinary Hospital. Those bills will be astronomical, and I am sure donations would help lessen the stress of those who had to take their animals for veterinary care. You can also make donations to the Paradise United Methodist Church and designate that donation for the veterinary care of horses.
Specific needs at this time are listed below with the person of Contact for each area. One thing needed at all sites is Rubbermaid Totes/ plastic totes for those who go to collect their remaining belongings that have survived the fires.
Livestock Feed: Hay, salt, mineral, cattle cubes, protein tubs, All-Stock Sweet Feed.
Fencing Supplies: wire (electric fence wire & barbed-wire), T-posts, Hedge posts, leather gloves, fence stretchers, fencing pliers, electric fence insulators.
Labor & Equipment- They need help, if you have time, they can use it! If you can help clean up or haul livestock and you have the truck & trailer or heavy equipment, it will be appreciated! Trucks to haul hay are needed too!
HAY & FEED CONTACTS
Natoma- Iva Maier 785-885-4404 Paradise- Tanner Lyle 785-735-8024 Russell-Marsha Gier
FENCING NEEDS
Natoma- Iva Maier 785-885-4404 Paradise- Kim Hoisington 785-821-1074 Russell-Marsha Gier 785-844-5746 & Ashley 785-445-9007
LABOR & EQUIPMENT
Area Wide: Marsha Gier 785-844-5746 Ashley 785-445-9007
Natoma Area – Iva Maier 785-885-4404
We also need to keep these folks helping and those victims in our prayers!
Here are some links to videos of the devastation: Warning some show graphic scenes of dead livestock.
Educated Cowpuncher 