Fire at Wisconsin Potato Chip Plant Causes Significant Equipment Damage

Date:  February 8, 2019
Location:  Beloit, Wisconsin (USA)
Address:  3150 Kettle Way, 53511

Type:  Potential Dust Fire

Fuel:  Unknown
Industry:  Snack Food Production (Food Processing)
Equipment:  Cooking Equipment

Company:  Kettle Foods
Database Incidents:  None Recorded

Loss:  No Injuries
Capital Cost:  Unknown

Status:  Open
Confirmation:  Unconfirmed

Company Description:
According to the company website, Kettle Foods was founded in 1982 and manufactures popular potato chip brands such as Krinkle Cut™ variety, Kettle Brand® Organic Chips and Kettle Brand® Baked Potato Chips. It is based in Salem, Oregon with a European headquarters in Norwich, United Kingdom. The Beloit facility was opened in September 2007.

Incident Description:
On February 11, 2019, Powder & Bulk Solids reported a fire at a snack food production plant in Beloit, Wisconsin.

When firefighters arrived shortly before 3:00 a.m. on February 8, they found a considerable amount of smoke in the cooking area and in an exhaust system. The sprinkler system became active soon after the flames ignited, confining the fire to a piece of cooking equipment, but workers were evacuated as a precaution.

Firefighters put out the fire and remained on scene for about three hours. No one was injured but there was considerable equipment damage.

Sources:
Powder & Bulk Solids