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As wildfires continue to devastate communities in the panhandle, residents of North Texas are stepping up to support the statewide effort to assist those affected. Among them are volunteers who emerged from the aftermath of the Eastland Complex fire two years ago.
Amy Houston, a director of the Rancher Navy, explained the group’s mission: “At this point, it’s finding out what the need is, putting the call out, and then running the logistics on our end to get the supplies to where they need to be.”
The non-profit organization was established by several agriculturally-minded women in 2022 to aid those impacted by fires in Eastland County, followed by the Big L fire. Houston’s family ranch in Erath County suffered extensive damage, prompting her to become actively involved in relief efforts.
Since Tuesday, Houston has been collaborating with other group leaders to coordinate the transportation of supplies from communities across Texas and neighboring states.
In North Texas, the Azle Church of Christ and Beulah Baptist Church in Weatherford are serving as collection sites for local donations. Additional drop-off locations include 360 Ranch Horse Boarding in Springtown, Comanche Gas Solutions in Comanche, 14570 FM 914 in Stephenville, and 2924 CR 107 B in Alvarado.
Volunteers are collecting livestock supplies, hygiene items such as soap, baby wipes, and diapers, and provisions for volunteer firefighters on the front lines, including Liquid IV, Gatorade, water, eye drops, socks, and gloves. While household items will eventually be needed, the focus for now is on the immediate necessities.
Houston emphasized the ongoing nature of the relief efforts: “This is the tip of the iceberg. This will probably need to continue for several weeks.”
For updates and more information, individuals can visit the Rancher Navy Facebook page.