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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 |
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Wildfire hotlines help as drought persists
Published January 24, 2006
SEGUIN — Help is on the way to residents who have been affected by recent wildfires.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management has announced three hotlines for reporting wildfires or requesting assistance.
Farmers and ranchers who need hay for their livestock as a result of natural disasters can call (877) 429-1998. The Texas Department of Agriculture runs the line year-round, but Assistant Commissioner for Communications Allen Spelce said the number gets extra attention during drought times.
“Early last fall, they were averaging about two to five phone calls a day, and now we’re getting between 25 to 30 calls a day,” Spelce said.
Spelce said the calls run the gamut of needs, from some ranchers reporting pasture land and barns destroyed by fire to others asking for bales as a result of the drought. Even before wildfires began ravaging ranches in December, Spelce said the lack of rain had adversely affected the availability of hay.
“We’ve been getting a lot of requests for hay because the lack of rainfall in early 2005 through the summer and fall meant a lot of producers had to start supplemental feeding,” Spelce said. “Because of the supplemental feeding, a lot of the hay supplies are gone now.”
Spelce said ranchers can also visit www.agr.state.tx.us to access the Drought Resource Information Packet, which offers more information about agriculture disaster assistance from government grants to low-interest loans to workforce options.
Spelce said anyone who feels the need is eligible to use the hotline services.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has also set up a teleregistration hotline for Texas residents affected by wildfires. The mainline number is (800) 621-3362 or (800) 462-7585 for the hearing impaired.
Texas residents who suspect cases of arson or burn ban violations can call the state fire marshal’s 24-hour hotline at (877) 434-7345.
The city of Seguin has taken a no-tolerance stance on those who decide to ignore burn ordinances and bans. Burn bans will remain in place until April 11.
To report fires locally, call 911.
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