TOM BEAN, TX - An overnight fire in Tom Bean destroyed a building and killed several dozen head of livestock. The building was part of the Tom Bean FFA program, and the fire has affected the entire community.

The City of Tom Bean in Grayson County is firmly rooted in farming.

"Agriculture is very important to the city of Tom Bean, and the school system," said Tom Bean Mayor Sherry Howard.

When a fire ripped through a barn where student members of the future farmers of America kept their pigs, a large part of the student body lost animals they have been raising and caring for four months.

"In the High School we have about 262 students, about 100 students take part in FFA," said High School Principal Roger Ellis.

About 24 animals died in the fire, and while they weren't pets, they did represent a lot of time and hard work.

"They get them as piglets and right now they weigh about 225 pounds apiece," said Ellis.

State fire marshal’s arrived in Tom Bean this morning to try and determine the cause of the fire.

"He said it was an accident, it looks to be electrical, they are not sure," said Ellis.

While, the building could be a total loss, and students will not have the chance to show off their hard work at statewide stock shows this spring, Mayor Sherry Howard says the tragedy has shown the true spirit of the city.

"This community has come together as a whole and we all share in each other's sorrows, we will get through this, and tomorrow will be better," said Mayor Howard.

Update-

The group Texoma PWC is stepping up to help the Tom Bean community after fire destroyed the schools' ag facility, killing all 24 hogs inside.

The group, which stands for People Who Care, has set up a place to donate to the Tom Bean FFA on their website, www.texomapwc.com.

The Tom Bean Booster Club will also hold a fundraiser auction March 5 at the middle school.