- An explosion sparked a fire at the Quaker Oats plant in Cedar Rapids, sending thick black smoke over downtown.
- Firefighters were called to the plant at around 4:44 p.m. local time after reports of an explosion and fire.
- Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the north side of the building.
- Additional firefighters from Marion, Hiawatha, and Linn County were called in to help battle the blaze.
- By 6:25 p.m., most of the fire had been put out, although firefighters continued to work inside the building.
- No injuries were reported, and all workers were safely accounted for, according to local officials.
- PepsiCo Foods US, which owns Quaker Oats, stated that the cause of the fire would be investigated.
An explosion at the Quaker Oats plant in Cedar Rapids triggered a fire that sent thick smoke over the city on Saturday. Firefighters responded at approximately 4:44 p.m. local time, encountering heavy smoke and flames on the north side of the facility, which is the world's largest milling facility, processing over 2 million pounds of oats daily.123
Local officials confirmed that no injuries occurred and all workers were safely accounted for, with the fire primarily affecting an area with few employees present. Tiffany O'Donnell stated in a Facebook video that all personnel were safe. By 6:25 p.m., most of the fire had been extinguished, although firefighters continued to work inside the building.56
Additional support from firefighters in Marion, Hiawatha, and Linn County was called in to assist with the blaze. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the explosion or the extent of the damage. PepsiCo Foods US, the plant's owner, announced that an investigation into the incident would be conducted.7
The Cedar Rapids Fire Department reported that no firefighters were injured during the response to the fire, which raised concerns but ultimately resulted in no casualties.
“The facility is billed as the world's largest oat mill, processing over 2 million pounds of oats daily according to the company's website. Firefighters from Marion, Hiawatha and Linn County were called in to assist, and no firefighters were injured.”
Fox Business
