AMARILLO, TEXAS — Recent reports from Texas officials said that as many as 500 structures in the Texas Panhandle were destroyed so far in the Smokehouse Creek Fire.

Authorities also noted that 15% of the fire was contained as of March 2.

“The countless Texans who have been impacted by these devastating wildfires are going through challenges that require our ongoing support and assistance as we work together to help the entire Panhandle region rebuild and return to normalcy,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott in a statement on Feb. 29. “I thank the many leaders and emergency management personnel here today who are working around-the-clock to swiftly respond to active wildfires and provide the resources impacted Texans need.”

The Texas A&M Forest Service reported last week that 56 wildfires burned more than 1,256,328 acres as of Feb. 25.

Cargill’s North American Protein business, which includes large beef processing plants near many of these fires, committed $100,000 to the Texas & Southwest Cattle Raisers Disaster Relief Fund and partnered with customers Tractor Supply Company and Stockman’s Feed Bunk. Cargill also donated 220,000 lbs of feed, filling five semi-truck trailers.

 “Cargill is deeply saddened by the recent wildfires in Texas and their impact on ranchers, farmers and the communities they live and work in,” the company said in a statement on March 1. “We know we won’t succeed if our ranchers and farmers don’t.” 

MEAT+POULTRY will update this post with any other relevant information regarding the fires.