FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Operation Airdrop Launches North Texas Wildfires Recovery Mission
Relief effort will provide agricultural supplies to affected ranchers and essential items to first responders
NORTH TEXAS — Aug. 28, 2026 — Operation Airdrop has launched its North Texas Wildfires Recovery mission to support farmers, ranchers and first responders affected by the Ross Fire in Palo Pinto and Jack counties.
As of Friday afternoon, the wildfire had burned at least 85,000 acres and was 26% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The fire has swept across North Texas ranchland, leaving producers with damaged fencing, lost grazing acreage, and urgent needs for livestock feed. Operation Airdrop is coordinating with local contacts and trusted community partners to direct assistance where it will have the greatest impact.
IMMEDIATE NEEDS
For farmers and ranchers:
- Hay
- Animal feed
- Fence posts, wire, and other fencing materials
For first responders:
- Electrolytes and energy drinks
- Nasal spray and allergy medications
- Ibuprofen and acetaminophen
- Lip balm and antibiotic ointment
- Portable snacks, including beef jerky
Financial contributions are also being accepted to help Operation Airdrop purchase and deliver verified supplies as needs evolve.
For Operation Airdrop, the mission is deeply personal. Founder and Board Chairman Doug Jackson grew up in the affected area. The ranches, roads, and families of North Texas helped shape his life—and now many of them need help.
“This is my hometown. These are the people and places that made me who I am, and seeing this devastation hits incredibly close to home,” Jackson said. “North Texas has always been a community that shows up for its neighbors. Now it is our turn to show up for them.”
Hay and animal feed are urgently needed for livestock affected by the loss of grazing land and stored feed. Fencing materials will help ranchers secure surviving animals, restore damaged property, and begin returning their operations to working order. Operation Airdrop expects the needs list to grow as conditions stabilize and additional damage assessments are completed.
Donate to the North Texas Wildfires Recovery mission: forms.operationairdrop.org/campaigns/29192
At this time, Operation Airdrop is not requesting volunteer support because of the risks associated with active wildfires. Members of the public should not travel to the affected area unless requested by local emergency officials or an authorized relief organization.
“Right now, the safest and most effective way to help is by funding the supplies these communities urgently need,” said Russ Keith, executive director of Operation Airdrop. “Every contribution helps us deliver practical assistance—and hope—to the people working to recover.”
Mission information and updates are available at OperationAirdrop.org.
ABOUT OPERATION AIRDROP
Operation Airdrop is a nonprofit disaster-relief organization that mobilizes volunteer pilots, aircraft, and logistics resources to deliver critical supplies when disasters disrupt traditional transportation and supply networks. Working alongside community organizations, emergency officials, and relief partners, Operation Airdrop helps assistance reach communities when and where it is needed most.
We deliver hope on wings.
MEDIA CONTACT
Chuck Larkin
Director of Communications
Operation Airdrop
chuck@operationairdrop.org
469-777-5360, ext. 302
