Residents of Caddo County are turning compassion into action. On Sunday, the small town of Binger will host a benefit concert, silent auction, bake sale and T‑shirt sale to raise funds for the volunteer fire departments that have been battling a large wildfire for more than a week.
Community effort to thank first responders
The wildfire, which has scorched thousands of acres, was about 75% contained on Monday, but firefighters continue to work long hours battling flare‑ups and exhaustion. “We’ve seen them come in to grab more supplies, more water, and you can tell they are just beat. It’s hot there,” said Dacy Tow, the concert organizer, who also helped coordinate the auction and bake sale.
Tow explained that the idea grew from a simple question: how can the community give back to those who protect us? “We all started to rack our brains, and I know a couple musicians, and I was like a benefit concert would be awesome,” she said.
All of the musicians performing are local, Oklahoma‑born and raised, many from the surrounding area. “We are so thankful that they are taking off their time because they play at other places. They’re all Oklahoma born and raised. A lot of them are from around here,” Tow added.
Funds will support fire crews and displaced families
The $5 admission fee (children enter free) will be split among four volunteer fire departments—Binger, Twin Cities, Crow Roost and Green Acres—helping them cover the costs of equipment, water and overtime after the intense firefighting effort.
Crow Roost Fire Chief Tiffani Bradford praised the community’s generosity: “Overwhelming. Awesome. The community support. Without them, we wouldn’t be here.” She noted that the contributions will help her crew recover from the long hours and prepare for any future incidents.
In addition to supporting the fire departments, organizers will collect donations for the nine families who lost everything in the blaze. “We’re small. We’re here, and when a crisis hits, when there is a family in trouble, we might not even know them, but we hear about it, and we’re like, ‘Hey, let’s do something about it,’” Tow said.
How to get involved
Anyone interested in supporting the effort can attend the concert in Binger on Sunday, purchase a T‑shirt, or contribute directly to the donation boxes set up at the venue. Local businesses have also pledged to match a portion of the proceeds, further amplifying the impact.
This grassroots response exemplifies the spirit of Caddo County—neighbors looking out for one another, honoring the brave men and women who protect our homes, and extending a helping hand to those who have lost everything to the flames.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
