Dublin along with area fire departments have had a busy week including a barn fire near Proctor. Fires throughout the state have been so prolific that Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced that the STAR fund is ready to help agriculture producers affected by critical wildfire activity.
At least 8,500 acres of Texas land have burned since Aug. 1.
“Neighbors, our governor has declared a state of disaster in 191 Texas counties affected by wildfires,” said Commissioner Miller. “I fully support him in this decision. The hard truth is that rural communities are frequently hit the hardest during wildfire season. This disaster declaration enables Texans to free up vital resources to aid impacted communities. TDA stands ready to assist our rural and ag communities in whatever way we can.”
Through the STAR Fund, TDA reimburses qualified agricultural producers 50% of eligible expenses, up to $4,000. While funds are generally not intended to compensate individuals or businesses for crop or livestock losses, STAR Fund money is traditionally used to assist in rebuilding fences, restoring operations, and paying for other agricultural disaster relief costs needed to restart agricultural operations.
To be eligible, an agriculture business/ operation/ranch/farm must be located in a county included in the Texas Governor’s disaster declaration. Local counties include Erath, Comanche, Hamilton, Bosque, Eastland and Hood.
Applicants have 90 business days from the date of the Governor’s proclamation to turn in an application. Farmers and ranchers can apply for assistance through the STAR Fund by visiting the STAR Fund web page on the TDA website.
Verification of the damage caused by the disaster is required prior to TDA disbursing funds. Damage can be documented through pictures or photos, certifications, or other documentation.
“This is not a handout, rather it’s a helping hand,” stated Miller. “I hope people will take advantage of these funds if they need them. In the meantime, I ask all Texans to hold those in these affected communities close in your hearts and lift them up in your prayers.”
Local fire activity continued on Wednesday, Aug. 16 when Dublin, Comanche and Proctor VFDs responded to a fully involved hay fire on Hwy. 377.
The barn and alfalfa hay were a complete loss. The owners are unsure how the fire started.
Sunday, Aug. 20, multiple departments including Erath County, Hico, Somervell, Stephenville, Selden and Bluff Dale fire departments were requested to assist with a brush fire at Rough Creek Lodge.
A wind turbine fire also kept departments busy as they responded to a rekindle on Sunday on CR 397 north of Lingleville.
On Monday, Aug. 21, Dublin responded to CR 340 for a grass fire along with Erath County Fire Department and Lingleville VFD. Monday also brought about another large grass fire on FM 2481 and FM 205 in Bluff Dale with Morgan Mill and Lingleville VFDs assisting. On Tuesday, the fire was estimated at 40 acres with 75% containment.
A burn ban is still in effect for Erath County and citizens are urged to use special caution on red flag warning days.