Fire loss at California plant includes deer carcasses

The intense heat of the fire at Clennin Meats caused ashes and charred chunks of insulation, roofing and other debris to become airborne and scattered over a wide area. Photo by David Wilson.

By David Wilson

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

CALIFORNIA, Mo. - An early Saturday fire that destroyed Clennin Meats not only leaves many deer hunters without their usual processor, the blaze also could have some effect on the ability of the Jefferson City Salvation Army to feed the people they serve.

The state fire marshal believes the cause is accidental and electrical in origin. Damage to the business in California is estimated at $250,000.

According to those on the scene, the building and contents were a total loss, including an estimated couple of hundred deer carcasses and processed meat.

Although much of the meat the Salvation Army gets through the Share the Harvest Program comes from the Russellville Locker, SA Major Kendall Matthews said any loss of donations will hurt because demand keeps increasing.

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3kids 2 years, 6 months ago

Does anyone really realize how this effects many hunters that may have had their deer at Clennins? Some of these families live on the meat from the deer hunt all year long. My prayers go out to the workers who now have no job as well when in this tough time its needed.

OUR3KIDS 2 years, 6 months ago

3kids, you have a very good point. My family uses deer meat rather than beef because my husband loves to hunt. I have not purchased beef from the store in years. We were lucky enough to pick up our first deer from Clennins before the fire, but did also have a deer that we lost in the fire. My prayers go out to the family and employees. I am sure this is a difficult time for everyone. I am wishing them the best of luck. I also hope that people are understanding and kind when speaking to Clennins about this issue.

JCLifer 2 years, 6 months ago

They need to extend deer season another week and let the hunters harvest more deer to help the poor people.

TheRickster 2 years, 5 months ago

N ice try deer hunter!!

3kids 2 years, 6 months ago

Our3kids my son had 60 lbs of deer meat at Clennins being made into sausage rolls and I agree I hope people are understanding when speaking to Clennins. JCLifer I agree something should be done to help out the deer hunters who have lost their deer meat in this fire...its not like they can just turn around and get another now....and the cost of deer tags arent free either.

Jthomas 2 years, 6 months ago

Obviously, this is devastating beyond the property damage to Clennin's. The trickle-down loss of business will be widespread, although limited locally for the most part.

It does seem that hunters have a chance to pull together here. If there were a master list of the people that wanted donated deer (due to the loss of theirs), it'd be nice if that were available, somehow, some way.

I'll eat my hat if the Missouri Department of Conversation allows these hunters an extended season or even a replaced license. That'd be the day!

That'd be too compas*ionate to expect from a government that thinks they own the deer in the first place.

Let them eat elk!

WowReally 2 years, 5 months ago

It’s not up to our government to take care of us, we’re responsible for ourselves and to our communities. Antlerless season started today and runs thru December 5th. Muzzle loader season starts December 18th and runs thru the 28th and if you bow hunt you have until January 15 to make up for any losses or harvest a few deer to donate to help out others. Since doe tags are only $7 each, most folks could afford to go out and get a sympathy deer if they really wanted to in order to help folks out.

My heart goes out to those who’ve suffered a loss in this, especially those who were employed at Clennins. I’d be surprised if insurance didn’t take care of the business end of things and would even to be willing to bet that the owner(s) could rebuild if they wanted to. Community support can come in a lot of forms.

Best wishes and have a good holiday everyone.