Smithfield corporate officials have arrived in Monmouth and are meeting today to discuss future plans for the meat packing plant that burned yesterday in a large fire.
The largest employer in Western Illinois employs roughly 1,600 workers–nearly all of whom are not working today and don’t know when they will be.
Monmouth City Administrator Lowell Crow updated WGIL on the situation and says there was some activity overnight.
“At about 4:30 a.m. this morning we had a re-flash of the fire in one of the areas,” Crow says. “Our fire department responded and put it out very quickly.”
Crow says a firefighter was taken to an area hospital for heat exhaustion but has since been released. No other injuries have been reported.
Preliminary reports indicate the fire started in the rendering room.
Monmouth Fire Chief Casey Rexroat says he believes the majority of fire and smoke damage was contained to that area which is isolated from much of the facility. Rexroat adds that there were several thousand livestock left unharmed by the fire, as well.
When work will resume for employees is unclear. Crow says contingency plans are being reviewed and the Illinois Department of Economic Development, as well as the Governors’ office are getting involved.
“They are working with the city and the city is actually the coordinator,” Crow says. “Smithfield is involved with this in their human resources department. If there are any displaced employees this is making sure that they have some financial aid and other assistance as we move forward.”
We’ll continue to bring you updated information on this story as it becomes available.
