The wildfires ravaging the state are straining the resources of many Texas rural fire departments. Having suffered severe budget cuts, these mostly volunteer departments need cash donations. The Texas Agricultural Land Trust (TALT), a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of private agricultural lands, requests support to ensure that those fighting to protect your homes, ranches and livestock have the resources they need.

 TALT is accepting donations for the Texas Wildfire Relief Fund, and will match any donation received between September 14th and September 30th. Interested persons may donate through the "Donations" tab on TALT's website, www.txaglandtrust.org, or send a check to Texas Agricultural Land Trust, P.O. Box 6152, San Antonio, Texas 78209.

 "With the continuing drought and more than 99 percent of Texas under a burn ban, we are concerned that rural communities will continue to be strained by the resource demands necessary to fight fires," said TALT executive director, Blair Fitzsimons. "Approximately 75 percent of our state's firefighters are volunteers, most of whom use their personal funds to purchase equipment. Your donations will help effectively fight wildfires, prevent further loss in rural areas, and ensure the safety of our brave firefighters."

According to Texas Wildfire Relief Fund, it costs $8,400 to fully outfit one firefighter. As of September 12th, there are still approximately 19 wildfires burning in Texas, largely in rural areas. Landowners have suffered more than $78 million in agricultural losses in 2011 and more than 3.6 million acres of land have been lost to fire.

Donate at www.txaglandtrust.org. For more information, contact TALT at 210-826-0074.