On April 17, 2013, a massive explosion and fire occurred at a fertilizer plant in the small town of West. 15 people were killed, more than 160 people were injured, and more than 150 buildings were destroyed or damaged.
Operation BBQ Relief volunteers served hot meals to residents and first responders and catered two memorial services for fallen firefighters. Operation BBQ Relief left after the fourth day of the deployment because other organizations were in place to help feed the town, but they unexpectedly left at the same time. Operation BBQ Relief was asked to come back and returned the next day to provide hot BBQ meals to residents, first responders, and community volunteers for another four days.