Massive fire erupts at world’s largest of its kind Iowa Quaker Oats plant after reported explosion; all workers safe

A fire erupted in the vast Quaker Oats milling complex located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, following an explosion on Saturday, October 24, causing huge clouds of black smoke to billow over the city and an emergency response. Despite the dramatic scene, all workers were accounted for and no injuries were reported, officials said.

The fire department of Cedar Rapids was summoned to the site around 4:44 p.m. local time following a report of an explosion and a fire. Upon arrival, heavy smoke and flames were coming from the north side of the building, a city press release stated.

The cause of the explosion and fire that followed is still not clear.

Firefighters battle blaze at Iowa plant

The firefighters worked to contain the fire, with help from adjacent departments of Marion, Hiawatha, and Linn County. The fire was contained by 6:15 p.m., though firefighters continued to work on the fire spots within the building.

In a video posted on Facebook, the Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell confirmed that all workers were safely evacuated and accounted for.

The fire broke out in an area used for handling products that generally has fewer employees present. “It’s not heavily populated with employees and team members. Which of course in this case was a blessing,” O’Donnell said.

There were no firefighter injuries during the fight against the fire, according to the authorities. PepsiCo Foods US, owners of Quaker Oats, reported that emergency crews had been on the scene and the cause was being investigated.

Iowa Quaker Oats facility, according to their website, is home to the world’s biggest oat milling facility, milling more than 2 million pounds (907,185 kg) of oats per day.