OKLAHOMA CITY—Wildfires have burned significant acreage in the Oklahoma Panhandle in recent days, with impacted land in the region exceeding 300,000 acres. With more high-fire-danger days ahead, American Farmers & Ranchers Mutual Insurance Company (AFR Insurance), Oklahoma Farm Bureau (OKFB) and Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance have teamed up to help the fire departments working tirelessly to protect lives and property.
Collectively, AFR Insurance, OKFB and OKFB Insurance are donating $30,000 toward the replacement of firefighting equipment lost in last week’s fire containment efforts. All funds will be given to specific local volunteer fire departments directly impacted by the wildfires.
“Local volunteer firefighters have been working around the clock to protect Oklahomans, their homes and their livestock from recent wildfires,” said Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt. “Being on the front lines day and night, many of these departments have suffered significant equipment damage while answering the call of duty. I am so grateful that AFR and the Farm Bureau are stepping up to support these firefighters. Their generosity will ensure that these dedicated volunteers have the resources they need to keep themselves safe while continuing to protect their communities.”
The likelihood of early spring wildfires has increased in recent years and Western Oklahoma will continue to experience high fire danger over the coming days.
“Firefighters in western Oklahoma work tirelessly for hours and days on end during wildfire season,” said AFR Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh. “Well-equipped rural fire departments are the best line of defense our rural communities have against wildfires. We’re honored to come together as Oklahoma’s largest farm and ranch insurance providers to contribute to our rural firefighters’ volunteer efforts and we thank them for their bravery and selflessness.”
“When fires break out in rural Oklahoma, it is our fellow community members who serve as rural volunteer firefighters and spring into action to protect lives and properties,” said OKFB President Stacy Simunek. “Our rural friends and neighbors who serve on the front lines need our help and support after major disasters like we have seen over the last few weeks in Oklahoma, and we are proud to team up to provide resources to ensure they are equipped to respond to future calls.”
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