Date: June 3, 2020
Location: Lexington, Kentucky (USA)
Address: 767 Winchester Road, 40505
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Peanut Dust
Industry: Peanut Butter Production (Food Processing)
Equipment: Unknown
Company: J.M. Smucker
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company’s website, J. M. Smucker is a leading food and beverage manufacturer headquartered in Orrville, Ohio. It was founded in 1897 and now has over 30 offices across the U.S. Popular brands include Carnation, Crisco, Robin Hood, and Jif. The facility in Lexington, Kentucky, produces Jif peanut butter.
Incident Description:
On June 4, 2020, Powder & Bulk Solids reported a fire at a peanut butter plant in Lexington, Kentucky.
Local firefighters responded at around 4:30 p.m. and worked with the company fire brigade to put the flames out. The fire was limited to a piece of equipment and related ductwork.
No injuries were reported.
Previous Incidents:
On January 14, 2014, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported a fire in two of the four peanut roasting machines at the J.M. Smucker Jif peanut butter plant in Lexington, Kentucky. Both roasters experienced significant damage but no injuries were reported.
On November 26, 2012, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported a fire at the plant. The facility sprinkler system put it out, but not before black smoke was streaming from the building. There was no damage and no one was injured.
Powder & Bulk Solids noted that there had been a small silo explosion at the facility in 2007.
OSHA Inspections:
An establishment search turned up two OSHA inspections for this facility, but neither was flagged for combustible dust.
Sources:
Powder & Bulk Solids
Lexington Herald-Leader (January 14, 2014)
Lexington Herald-Leader (November 26, 2012)
