Overview
- An apparent explosion inside the Quaker Oats plant in downtown Cedar Rapids on Saturday, Oct. 24, triggered a large fire and sent thick plumes of smoke over the city.
- Fire crews from Cedar Rapids and neighboring jurisdictions rushed to the scene and extinguished most of the fire while conducting interior overhaul and cleanup into the evening.
- City officials and the mayor said all on-site workers evacuated safely and no injuries were reported during the response.
- The plant is described by the company as the world’s largest oat-milling facility, processing more than 2 million pounds of oats a day and serving as a major local employer.
- Authorities have not identified a cause and have opened an investigation, and officials said they will not set a timeline for restarting operations until that probe and damage assessments are complete.