It is not clear what caused the explosion or the extent of the damage caused by the fire. (Facebook/Cedar Rapids Fire Department)
An apparent explosion ignited a fire at a massive Quaker Oats factory in Iowa on Saturday, sending thick black smoke rising above downtown Cedar Rapids as firefighters rushed to the facility billed as the world’s largest oat factory.
No injuries were reported and all workers were found safe, according to local authorities.
The Quaker Oats plant is the largest flour mill in the world, processing more than 2 million pounds of oats each day, according to the company’s website.
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Most of the fire had been extinguished by 6:25 p.m., according to the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. (Facebook/Cedar Rapids Fire Department / Unknown)
Firefighters were called to the scene around 4:44 p.m. local time after reports of an explosion and fire, according to the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. 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 to help fight the fire.
Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell said in a Facebook video that all workers were safe and responsible. She said the fire broke out in an area of the factory where relatively few employees worked.
“There aren’t a lot of employees and team members. Which, of course, in this case has been a blessing,” O’Donnell said.
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Most of the fire had been extinguished by 6:25 p.m., although firefighters were still working inside the building, fire officials said.
Firefighters were called to the scene around 4:44 p.m. after reports of an explosion and fire. (Facebook/Cedar Rapids Fire Department / Unknown)
No firefighters were injured.
Authorities did not specify the cause of the explosion or the extent of the damage caused by the fire.
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PepsiCo Foods US, owner of Quaker Oats, said the cause of the fire would be investigated.
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