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.
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.

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.