On Thursday, April 29th, at 6:42 P.M., the Monmouth Fire Department responded to reports of smoke and flames coming from the inside of Smithfield Foods. Upon arrival, firefighters found an exterior wall of the structure to be producing smoke. Firefighters started a search for occupants in the immediate area and attempted to identify the source of the fire.
A request for mutual aid was made, and additional departments responded to the scene. The fire was contained to the immediate area and did not spread to a large extent. A series of offensive tactics were performed, and the location was secure in approximately 3 hours. No injuries were sustained as a result of the fire.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Illinois State Fire Marshal. Other agencies who responded to help with the incident were the Cameron Fire Department, Kirkwood Fire Department, Galesburg Fire Department, Roseville Fire Department, Galesburg Hospital Ambulance Service, and the Monmouth Police Department.
The Monmouth Fire Department would also like to express its thanks to Mike Whitson from 1-800-Boardup of the Quad Cities for the water, sports drinks, and food that was provided to firefighters on the scene.
***Report Courtesy of the Monmouth Fire Department***
