World Central Kitchen in Texas Amid Historic Fire

TEXAS (February 29, 2024) – World Central Kitchen (WCK) is working alongside local partners to support Texas communities amid a historic wildfire. Local authorities have issued emergency declarations in dozens counties across the impacted region and evacuation orders are in place in many areas.

A series of blazes ignited on Monday along the Texas panhandle. The fires have expanded quickly, fueled by high winds, dry conditions, and record heat. The largest of the blazes, the Smokehouse Creek Fire, is burning north of Amarillo and has already become the second-largest wildfire in Texas history.

WCK has identified Canadian, Fritch, Borger, and Stinnett as some of the communities in need of support thanks to guidance from the local culinary community. The first sandwiches from WCK partner and Texas Restaurant Foundation Board Member, Chef Rhonda Obenhaus—a culinary instructor at AmTech Career Academy in Amarillo—are en route to Stinnett. 

Members of the WKC Relief Team members are in the region to assess the communities’ needs for food and water, and will determine if more support is needed. 

To make a donation to the relief efforts, visit the TRA's donation page here.