“Firefighters grappling with the biggest wildfire in Kansas history got a welcome Easter assist from pre-dawn snow that blanketed the hardest-hit area,” reports Kelly Lenz (Kansas Agriculture Network/WIBW-AM, Topeka, KS). The National Weather Service says about half an inch of precipitation in rain and snow fell early Sunday (March 27) southwest of Wichita in Barber County. The Kansas Department of Agriculture reports the fire has burned approximately 300,000 acres in south central Kansas, more than 270,000 acres in Barber County alone. The Kansas Adjutant General’s Office says (as of March 29) 81 percent of the fire has been contained in Barber County and more than 90 percent in Comanche County.

Twelve homes have been destroyed along with many outbuildings, miles of fence and an unknown number of livestock. Containment is now estimated at 98% for the portion of the fire in Woods County, OK. “Meanwhile, due to an incredible response in the first few days after the fire, hay needs of area ranchers have been met for the time being,” Kelly said. The next priority for victims of the fire is cash donations to the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) for fencing supplies. KLF is the charitable arm of Kansas Livestock Association. Several KLA members are generously donating proceeds from the sale of animals to KLF for disaster relief. Greg Akagi (Kansas Agriculture Network/WIBW-AM, Topeka, KS), reported (March 28), “We are headed to Medicine Lodge, KS, with 1,100 pounds of calf milk replacer to help ranchers and producers who are in need after the devastating fires. The Kansas Agriculture Network thanks Kansas Farm Bureau and Premier Farm and Home for their generosity.”