According to a report from ABC15, a massive fire that erupted at around 12 p.m. Monday hit the Maricopa (AZ) Food Pantry organization that serves many of the city’s families.
High winds fueled the flames at the drive-up food pantry, effecting six semi-trailers and a storage container filled with food donations.
The organization said around 40,000 pounds of canned food, meat, and produce were lost in the fire, most of it visible in burned piles on the ground after the incident. They help about 1,200 families per week.
Maricopa Food Pantry President Mike Connelly said the fire had spread to two trailers by the time he arrived. The organization has been serving the community for 17 years, and Connelly was someone who once relied on the service and is now the current president.
Volunteer fire departments as well as community members responded to fight the flames. Thunderbird Fire District Chief Allen Alcott said the department knows people who own back hoes and extra water trucks who would come out to help.
The food pantry now says it still plans to help people on a smaller scale and hope to be back in business this weekend. They are accepting donations.
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