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April 26, 2009

By Bridget Nash Staff Writer The Enid News and Eagle Sun Apr 26, 2009, 10:29 PM CDT

Many people breathe a sigh of relief when a wildfire is extinguished before it reaches town. However, a wildfire that doesn’t reach town still affects a lot of people.

Now, farmers in Woodward, Harper and Ellis counties may find a little relief when it comes to damage from fires.

Woodward Livestock Auction has teamed with Northwest Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Associa-tion to raise funds to help farmers who have been affected by wildfires.

“We had two auctions,” said Jerry Nine, Woodward Livestock Auction owner.

The two auctions of donated items brought in $25,000, but Nine hopes people will send in more donations.

“(Twenty-five thousand dollars) doesn’t cover much area,” he said.

Between January and March, Woodward County alone experienced 28 wildfires, and county commissioners proclaimed the county to be in a state of disaster.

Woodward County Emergency Management Director Matt Lehenbauer attributed the plague of fires to drought conditions in the area.

Farmers in the area had losses including cattle, fence and buildings. Replacing those damaged, but much needed, items becomes expensive quickly.

“There was one farmer who lost everything but his house,” Nine said.

Even though much was lost, Nine still praises the fire departments that battled the blazes.

“I would like ... to compliment the local firemen,” he said. “They just came from every area and worked together.”

Donations will be collected for farmers until May 31.

Anyone who would like to make a donation or any farmer who would like to report losses due to fire may contact Woodward Livestock Auction at (580) 256-5547.

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