The cause of a Thursday evening fire in Monmouth is currently under investigation by the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
According to a release from the Monmouth Fire Department, responded at around 6:42 to reports of smoke and flames coming from inside of the Smithfield Foods plant on North 6th Street.
Upon arrival, firefighters found an exterior wall of the structure to be producing smoke. Firefighters conducted a search for occupants in the immediate area and attempted to identify the fire’s source.
A request for mutual aid was made, and additional departments responded to the scene. The fire was contained in the immediate area and did not spread to a large extent.
A series of offensive tactics were performed and the location was secure in approximately three hours. No injuries were sustained as a result of the fire.
Responding to aid the MFD were the Cameron, Kirkwood, Galesburg, Roseville fire departments, Galesburg Hospital Ambulance Service, and the Monmouth Police Department.
Fire Chief Casey Rexroat expressed thanks to Mike Whitson from 1-800-Boardup of the Quad Cities for the water, sports drinks, and food that was provided to firefighters on the scene.
