Contact: Philip Burn, Communications Director, 214-956-6243
Dallas, Texas (February 20, 2026) – A team from The Salvation Army of Amarillo has been actively serving first responders and evacuees impacted by wildfires sweeping across the Texas Panhandle. Over the past two days, teams have operated at two emergency shelters and one community site, providing meals, drinks, and emotional and spiritual care to those affected.
Under the leadership of Major Tex Ellis, along with two dedicated volunteers, The Salvation Army deployed its Rapid Response Unit to support emergency operations. The team served in Donley County on Tuesday evening and has been supporting response efforts since Wednesday in Potter County. The Salvation Army continues to coordinate closely with local Emergency Management, VOAD partners, and community officials to provide resources as needed.
“We received a request for support on Tuesday evening and quickly mobilized our team and response unit,” said Major Tex Ellis with The Salvation Army in Amarillo. “After more than 30 years of disaster service it is still both humbling and rewarding for me to serve those affected, along with the dedicated first responders, especially when it is right here in our community. The Salvation Army will continue to provide support wherever we can in communities we serve throughout the year.”
The Salvation Army has provided support at the following locations:
• Donley County Activities Center, 4430 State Hwy 70, Clarendon, Texas
• Howardwick City Hall / VFW, 247 Rick Husband Blvd, Howardwick, Texas
• The Church at Bushland, 1800 S FM 2381, Amarillo, Texas
Shelby Rivera, Service Extension Representative with The Salvation Army, has been in contact with VOAD partners and emergency officials in Pampa and Borger regarding requests for meals and hydration support for first responders and potential evacuees. To assist with ongoing needs, Texas Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) is delivering eight pallets of water (four to Amarillo, four to Pampa/Borger) and one pallet of hygiene kits to Pampa on Friday.
The Salvation Army has served 555 meals, 248 drinks, and provided Emotional and Spiritual Care to two individuals in the impacted area.
“More than 30 Texas fire departments have deployed to the area and continue battling the widlfires that have so far burned more than 30,000 acres,” said Kathy Clark, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army in Texas. “The Salvation Army teams will continue to provide support and assess needs in the impacted communities as long as we are needed. We are praying for first responders, affected families, and our teams serving during this emergency.”
To support Salvation Army disaster response in Texas, go to helpsalvationarmy.org. For the most up-to-date disaster information or for details about becoming a disaster volunteer, visit www.salarmyeds.org.
