The second largest wildfire in Texas history, called the Smokehouse Creek Fire, is currently raging after starting on Monday afternoon. The fire has spread into Oklahoma as well, burning more than 881,000 acres as of Wednesday afternoon. Homes in two towns in Texas and others in Oklahoma have been burned completely. The cold front that moved in on Tuesday helped to slow the fire’s growth, but the dry air and high winds are said to be returning over the weekend. At this point, reports say that only about 3% of the fire has been contained.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire isn’t the only one currently raging. There are four other smaller fires, at varying percentages of containment, also burning. When combined, these five fires have burned more than one million acres. As of Friday morning, two people have been confirmed dead.
DRUSA (Disaster Relief USA), the IPHC’s disaster relief team, is actively working to help those affected: “The mission of Disaster Relief USA (DRUSA) is to organize volunteer ministry teams to model the compassion of Jesus Christ by providing mass care to individuals and families devastated during times of disaster.” At this time, the Great Plains Conference has seen much devastation from these wildfires, and Bishop Scott Hampton has been working hard to coordinate with DRUSA to bring needed resources to the area.
Disaster Relief USA
The protocol to deploy help from DRUSA is this: First, the Conference Superintendent from the affected areas submits a request for help. Secondly, Rick Haug, DRUSA National Coordinator, meets with the board to review the request and determine need. Thirdly, a Disaster Declaration is issued by Presiding Bishop Beacham’s office. Lastly, the assistance funds will be released and sent to the necessary areas.
Rick Haug, DRUSA National Coordinator
Superintendent Scott Hampton, Bishop of the Great Plains Conference, is the point man for this disaster. Bishop Hampton is working with two of our churches in the towns of Borger and Pampa to minister to adjacent communities. In the small town of Fritch, TX, approximately 100 homes have been completely burned to the ground.
Scott Hampton, Bishop of the Great Plains Conference
DRUSA is also working alongside the M-25 Ministries, as they bring their Mobile Shower to Borger, TX. This mobile shower already has a long history of helping in disaster areas, as it used to belong to the Cornerstone Conference of the IPHC. A shower, in the midst of a crisis, can be invaluable, especially for firefighters who are exhausted and battling around the clock.
It is clear that the need is great in Texas, and as the fires continue, it is unclear what the extent of that need will be. Rick Haug, DRUSA National Coordinator, explained that DRUSA does not hoard money; they give it out as it comes in. This ministry typically helps with three to five disasters a year, and essentially, the only way that they raise money is when a disaster happens. In order to continue this essential ministry, funds are needed. Haug shared: “We want to thank the churches and the conferences of the IPHC. We are so grateful for any and all contributions.” He also had this to say about the leadership of the IPHC: “Bishop Beacham is so supportive of our efforts and so helpful. He readily lends his support. He is a friend of DRUSA.”
To donate towards the relief efforts due to the Texas wildfires, please send donations to:
IPHC
DRUSA/TX Wildfires
PO Box 12609
OKC, OK
73157
