On February 17, 2026, high winds and dry conditions resulted in wildfires in several locations across Kansas, and several of the fires continued through the week. Many of these wildfires have resulted in agricultural losses, including livestock. This page provides resources for Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses as they respond and recover from wildfires. It will continue to expand and adapt as needs are made known.

Emergency Response Resources

Kansas Department of Health and Environment: assistance with emergency disposal/burial of animals.
Click here to find your KDHE district office

U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency: assistance with recovery related to loss of livestock and related assetc.
Click here for contact info at the Kansas FSA Office

USDA FSA: Livestock Indemnity Program website
USDA FSA:  Livestock Indemnity Program 2025 Fact Sheet

USDA FSA: ELAP Program website
USDA FSA:  ELAP Disaster Assistance Program 2025 Fact Sheet

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: assistance with technical assistance and financial assistance related to recovery. 
Click here for contact info at the Kansas NRCS office

Cost Share Assistance for Landowners

KDA's Division of Conservation has developed a Wildfire Recovery Initiative to provide $151,000 of KDA–DOC financial assistance to landowners in eight counties (Barber, Clark, Comanche, Finney, Meade, Rawlins, Seward and Stevens) for cover crops, temporary watering facilities and temporary electric fence. Landowners can receive up to $5,000 in cost share funding through this initiative. 

Find out more here: Cost Share Assistance

Tax Relief for Recovery

SALES TAX

On and after July 1, 2022, all sales of tangible personal property and services necessary to construct, reconstruct, repair or replace any fence that is used to enclose land devoted to agricultural land shall be exempt from sales tax. (K.S.A. 79-3606d) The purchaser must provide form ST-28F, Agricultural Exemption Certificate to the retailer from whom the purchases are being made. Contractors and repairmen providing the service to construct, reconstruct, repair or replace any fence that is used to enclose land devoted to agricultural land may use this certificate to purchase the materials and labor necessary to construct, reconstruct, repair or replace fencing.

No sales tax shall be imposed upon the service of installing or applying tangible personal property in connection with the original construction of a building or facility or the original construction, reconstruction, restoration, remodeling, renovation, repair or replacement of a residence.  Original construction means the restoration, reconstruction or replacement of a building, facility or utility structure damaged or destroyed by fire, flood, tornado, lightning, explosion, windstorm, ice loading and attendant winds, terrorism or earthquake. (K.S.A. 79-3603(p))

PROPERTY TAX

K.S.A. 79-1613 provides for an abatement or credit against property tax levied upon a homestead or building or improvement destroyed or substantially destroyed due to an earthquake, flood, tornado, fire, storm, or other event or occurrence which the governor has declared a disaster.  Application for relief must be made to the board of county commissioners where such property is located. The application does not provide an automatic rebate.  The application can be found on the PVD website at:  https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pvdforms.html.

EO Allows Relief from Transportation Restrictions

Donations and Assistance for Affected Communities

Hay and Fencing Donations

Donations of hay and fencing supplies are being accepted at various collection sites. To donate, call the Kansas Livestock Association office at 785-273-5115 and they will help coordinate a drop-off. Cash donations can be made through the Kansas Livestock Foundation by going to www.kla.org. If you are in need of supplies, please call KLA. 

Assistance for Ashland Community

Many of the opportunities to help in the Ashland community have been compiled in this letter from the Ashland Veterinary Center, including fencing supplies, money, pasture, hay and feed. Ashland Assistance Letter

Recommendations in a Wildfire Emergency

Keep Records
In the early stages of wildfire response and recovery, it is recommended that you record and document as much as possible. Photos, receipts, records of losses will be critical later in your efforts to obtain assistance and reimbursement. 

Start Local
Local officials will be able to provide access to resources and current, accurate information. Contact your local offices first. Links to some of those offices are below.

Ask for Help
Don't hesitate to ask for assistance, whether that means shelter for your family, feed for your animals, or counseling for those impacted by loss. Find mental health resources at KansasAgStress.org.