Ellis County Wildfires

Last week was full of all the emotions: fear, anxiety, humbleness at the power of fire and nature, gratitude for God's grace, and pride for the community in which we live. 

Our ranch was affected by the many fires that broke out across the Texas Panhandle. The winds were blowing hard that day, and the ground was dry. Making for perfect wildfire

conditions.

Jesse and the crew raced to Ellis County, where Caleb and Austin were quickly dowsing the houses, barns, and structures on the Gage ranch with water to hopefully keep fires from catching. They eventually had to head to safety and leave, hoping for the best. 

So many ranches have been affected by these horrible fires. Homes were lost, and lives were changed. Thankfully, lives were spared, and our family, friends, and neighbors are all safe.

In the days after the fires, our surrounding communities have rallied with the support of donations of hay, medicine, fence supplies, and time, and it is SO greatly appreciated.  

Below, we are sharing some images from the fires and the recovery. 

Fires started popping up around mid-day. Caleb was already in Gage, where he is currently living, and Jesse and the crew quickly made the drive to help. As the day went on and fires continued to grow and become out of control, neighboring fire crews started showing up, as well as additional police, highway patrol, and county workers.

Our parents live in Gage, and the ranch is north of town. The fires consumed much of the ranch lands north of Gage and Shattuck. Both towns were evacuated.

This was taken a couple of days after the fires. This pasture was thick with knee-deep grass and sagebrush last spring.

The first day after the fires was about finding animals, getting them feed and medicine, and ending the suffering of ones that cannot be saved. Aimee found this cow with her baby that was born within just the last few hours. This new life was a light in the darkness.

The evening of the fires also brought in some cold weather, with temperatures dropping below freezing. This calf here is warming itself by the still-warm ashes of the fires.

We were lucky to have only one calf orphaned during the fires. He is a little skittish about Aimee but gets more comfortable daily. He is being bottle-fed twice a day, and we are happy to report that he is doing well!

Less than a week after the fires, we see pastures with new grass popping up.

We are humbled by the challenges we've faced, yet proud of the unwavering support that surrounds us. Northwest Oklahoma is an amazing part of the country where everyone is a neighbor and friend.

Nine families in Ellis County lost their homes to these fires. If you would like to support their recovery and comfort during this time of need, please get in touch with the Oklahoma State Bank in Gage, Oklahoma, where accounts have been set up for two Gage families. Phone: (580) 923-7541