Greenfield Global Ethanol Plant Fire Contained After Lightning Strike

Cleanup efforts are underway at Greenfield Global's ethanol plant in Chatham after a fire broke out on Wednesday morning, September 17. According to the company, lightning struck a corn-based ethanol storage tank, starting the blaze.

The damage appears to be limited to the storage tank farm area and will not affect the distillation capabilities of the plant. No injuries have been reported, but a small amount of firefighting foam was used to extinguish the fire and has been observed beyond the facility's property line.

Response crews have contained the material, and Greenfield has brought in qualified environmental specialists and consultants to help with cleanup and assess the site for any further remediation needs. The company is also working with local authorities, including the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), the Spills Action Centre (SAC), and the fire department.

A full investigation will take place once cleanup is complete, and Greenfield emphasizes that employee safety remains its top priority along with protecting the community and emergency responders.