Operation Blessing is preparing for relief efforts in the wake of the Lone Star State’s largest wildfire in the Texas Panhandle.
according to CBN News, the Smokehouse Creek Fire killed approximately two people and destroyed hundreds of homes and buildings. The fire reportedly burned nearly 1.3 million acres.
“I had to leave my house and I had to drive through the fire to get out of there. I almost died,” homeowner Stacey McFall said.
Satellite images show large plumes of smoke from wildfires caused by strong winds and dry conditions. Meanwhile, ranchers lamented that the speed of the fire prevented rescue efforts and thousands of cattle were killed.
“As you can see behind us, we have about 1,000 cows. Today we are picking up ‘dead cows,'” said X-Cross-X Ranch Operator Chance Bowers. Told. “By the time it’s all said and done, we’ll probably have lost 200 to 250 head, and that’s just the cows. We were in the middle of calving season. I’ve spent the last 15 years building this herd. , “Sometimes you lose overnight. But we’re very blessed and you know we’re very fortunate that we only lost 200,” Bowers said.
The small Panhandle town of Borger, Texas, was also affected by the fire. Bethel Temple Pastor William Shields had to evacuate some members to the church when the fire was nearby.
“They actually had to live in our fellowship hall for a few days while we sorted everything out, what happened with the house and everything else,” Shields said. “Our first feeling about this was that we have to find a way to not just come to church, but to be the hands and feet of Jesus and be the church in this situation,” he said.
Operation Blessing works with several local churches to provide people with assistance such as food and water, hygiene kits, EMS care kits, rakes, shovels, cleaning supplies, clothing, batteries, and emergency meal kits. I am.
Shields argued that Operation Blessing demonstrates Christ’s love for those who are suffering.
“It means so much that different organizations like Operation Blessing and efforts like this come and support the community during this time of need and this time of devastation. That’s just it. It shows that people actually care and that people want to help,” he said.
The cause of the wildfire has not been determined at this time. However, some residents sued the local power company, saying a downed power line may have been the cause.
Meanwhile, firefighters are hoping rain this week will help put out the fire.
Image credit: © Getty Images/Kara Capaldo
Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributor to Christian Headlines and host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast dedicated to sound doctrine and Biblical truth. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Alliance Theological Seminary.
