Koch Foods Plant Fire in Fairfield Prompts Hazmat Response, Shelter-in-Place Lifted

A large fire at the Koch Foods plant in Fairfield, Ohio, triggered a hazardous materials response and a temporary shelter-in-place order for residents within a two-mile radius on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The shelter-in-place order has since been lifted, and officials report no ongoing danger to the public.

Timeline of Events

The fire was first reported around 1:00 a.m. At the plant located at 4100 Port Union Road. Initial reports indicated the fire was contained, but the situation escalated as the Greater Cincinnati Hazardous Materials Unit was deployed at approximately 3:30 a.m. A shelter-in-place order was issued around 4:00 a.m. And remained in effect for approximately four hours, being lifted shortly after 7:40 a.m.

Firefighting Efforts and Damage

More than 100 firefighters from Butler and Hamilton counties responded to the three-alarm fire, battling the blaze at the $220 million chicken processing and packaging plant. The roof of the plant collapsed during the firefighting efforts, complicating the situation. Crews continued to douse the building with water as of noon on Sunday.

Hazmat Concerns and Air Quality

The primary concern during the incident was a potential ammonia leak, as the plant contained ammonia tanks used for refrigeration. The ammonia source was shut off, and air quality readings were determined to be safe before the shelter-in-place order was lifted. Hazmat teams continued to monitor the air quality for any changes.

Injuries and Unaccounted Person

Three people sustained injuries during the fire, with two individuals transported to the hospital with burn injuries. Fire officials reported that both hospitalized individuals had been discharged. However, as of Sunday afternoon, one person remained unaccounted for.

Ongoing Investigation

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities have not yet specified what prompted the initial hazmat response. Roads leading to the plant remain closed as of 3 p.m. Sunday, preventing workers from retrieving their vehicles.