Oskaloosa Fire Provides Update On International Ingredient Fire

Internation Ingredient Fire

An Oskaloosa Fire Department Press Release

On February 4, 2018 at 11:03 am the Oskaloosa Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire located at 2387 Hwy 23 in Oskaloosa. The facility is owned by International Ingredients Corporation.

Upon arrival of the first engine crew at 11:10 the fire had already vented through the roof of the south warehouse and was extending into the west warehouse. An immediate call for additional Oskaloosa resources and mutual aid was placed to assist in fighting the fire.

Eighty-four firefighters from nine departments including Oskaloosa, New Sharon, Pella, Hedrick, Eddyville, What Cheer, Sigourney, Fremont, and Ottumwa responded to assist with the fire control measures. Sixteen fire apparatus were utilized including two aerials, seven pumpers, and seven water tenders. These resources, in addition to two track hoes utilized to remove steel siding were on scene for either hours. An estimated 1.2 million gallons of water was used to fight the fire. Current damage estimates are placed at 1.85 million dollars.

No firefighter or civilian injuries occured. The facility had no automatic fire suppression or alarm system.

Fire investigators from the Office of the Iowa State Fire Marshal, Oskaloosa Fire Department, and the insurance coverage provider have been on scene at different times throughout this week. At this time the fire is still under investigation.

Mark Neff
Fire Chief
City of Oskaloosa