Roof collapses at Koch Foods during large fire; 1 person missing

“At approximately 3:30 a.m. on February 15, 2026, the Greater Cincinnati Hazardous Materials Unit (GCHMU) was activated following a large industrial fire and explosion at Koch Foods, located at 4100 Port Union Road in Fairfield," said Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones in a statement on social media.

“Initial reports indicated the fire was contained by responding fire personnel. Two (2) individuals sustained burn injuries. Due to the potential release of hazardous materials, a precautionary two-mile shelter-in-place order was put in place for the surrounding area,” Jones said.

“The Butler County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Services (ERS) Team, operating as part of the Greater Cincinnati Hazmat Unit, responded to the scene and played a critical operational role. ERS personnel assisted with interagency coordination and operational support while conducted air monitoring throughout the affected area.The ammonia source was successfully shut off to the building, and air quality readings were determined to be safe. The shelter-in-place order has since been lifted.”

The fire broke out in Koch Foods’ Plant B, which is at 630 Commerce Center Drive.

When firefighters arrived around 1 a.m., heavy smoke was showing and there was a strong odor, according to reports.

Lakamp said around 8 a.m. the two people taken to the hospital had already been released.

Koch Foods is a major poultry processor company and employer in Fairfield. In 2024, a small fire there caused $50,000 in damage. No people were injured and operations were only briefly interrupted.

That fire was in a mechanical room on the second floor of the main plant and was deemed accidental.

In recent years, Koch Foods has undergone a major expansion and added jobs. It is one of the largest Fairfield employers.