On Sunday, March 1, 2026, several members of Crutch Ranch VFD delivered 34 bales of hay donated by the Meyers Family of Skellytown to ranchers in Beaver Texas affected by the recent wildfires. They also coordinated several other trucks to haul hay — a total of 120 bales will be donated.

In times of disaster, this is what community looks like. Neighbors helping neighbors, across county and state lines.

Last week, our department assisted the Borger Fire Department with a prescribed burn known as the Seven Mile Burn. The goal of this operation was to create a protective barrier between potential wildfires and the citizens of Borger, extending through parts of Hutchinson County to Milner Road.

As I reflected on the purpose of this burn, I realized it served more than just one purpose. Prescribed fire—because it’s controlled—provides a powerful learning opportunity. It allows experienced firefighters to demonstrate and explain fire behavior, the influence of weather conditions, the impact of terrain, and the importance of firing patterns to newer firefighters in a safe, structured environment.

It also reminded me how valuable mentorship is in our profession. As veteran firefighters, we have the chance to share our knowledge and wisdom (much of it earned through hard lessons) to guide and prepare the next generation of firefighters.

Finally, this experience highlighted the strong sense of collaboration among area departments. Events like these bring us together; to learn, to work, and to build relationships. That mutual trust and familiarity make all the difference when we respond to large wildfires side by side.

I would like to extend my gratitude to all the agencies that contributed to the success of this burn: Borger Fire (host), Crutch Ranch Volunteer Fire Department, Stinnett Fire, Hutchinson County Road and Bridge, the National Park Service, Skellytown Volunteer Fire Department, Potter County Fire, Amarillo Fire, Randall County Fire, and Canyon Fire.

Chief Mark Mitchell