Bechtel-led CNS helps raise thousands for Pantex wildfire relief efforts

Bechtel-led Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC, the management and operating contractor of the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, and the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, has joined with its parent companies to raise money to support wildfire relief efforts in the Texas Panhandle.

There was no damage to Pantex property and no employees were injured at the plant as the wildfires abated about three miles from the plant’s boundary, according to a company news release.

However, the Pantex Fire Department did build firebreaks, prepare the plant for the fires, and respond to communities near the plant. Operations were briefly paused at the plant, followed by a short news conference giving an update on the situation.

In addition, several Pantexans suffered property losses and minor injuries as a result of the fires, the release said.

Related: Amarillo Area OEM gives updates on wildfire efforts with Potter, Randall County

“For those of us at CNS, the story hit close to home as we watched while the fires burned close to the Pantex Plant near Amarillo,” CNS President and CEO Rich Tighe said in the release. “We are pleased to support the upcoming Pantex event to help raise funds for Panhandle residents affected by the wildfires.”

The company said a series of fundraising initiatives are underway, including at Pantex.

CNS hosted a fundraiser at Pantex from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 4. Proceeds from the sales of t-shirts, as well a portion of sales from Pantex’s cafeteria and more than a dozen food trucks at the event, will go toward the wildfire relief efforts through contributions to the United Way of Hutchinson County and the Amarillo Area Foundation. CNS said it will match up to $10,000 raised during the Pantex event.

The Bechtel Group Foundation, the charitable arm of CNS parent company Bechtel, has already donated $25,000 to Hutchinson County United Way (HCUW) in Texas and will match up to $25,000 in additional funds donated by its employees around the world and at the Pantex fundraiser, the company said. Leidos, a CNS parent company, has also donated $10,000 to HCUW.

“There has been an outpouring of Panhandle pride and spirit through donations, volunteer efforts, and assistance coming in from all over the area and across the state,” CNS Pantex Site Manager Colby Yeary said. “We wanted to show our own support to our communities in need through our own fundraising efforts. Wildfires will always be a part of Texas Panhandle life, but it’s comforting to know that when disaster strikes, we rise united.”

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Bechtel-led CNS helps raise funds for Pantex wildfire relief efforts