None hurt in plant fire
Published 7:55 am Thursday, December 21, 2017
A Mocksville chicken processing plant is still closed after a fire last Thursday caused major damage to the central part of the plant off of Eaton Road.
The fire call came in to House of Raeford at about 3 a.m.
And while there was a threat of ammonia leaving the site of the plant, no injuries were reported. About 50 workers were inside the plant and none were injured. Officials asked area residents to stay inside while the ammonia left in a piping system was allowed to evaporate. A Hazmat crew was called in to make sure there was no danger remaining.
Mocksville Fire Chief Frank Carter said the cause of the fire is unknown. Witnesses said flames were shooting through the roof of the building when firefighters arrived. They remained on the scene well into the day.
“Within minutes, first responders were on the scene,” said a House of Raeford news release. “Thanks to their good work and the work of our plant team, the fire is out, no one was harmed and the site is secure.”
The company is assisting investigators in determining the cause of the fire.
The news release said employees would be paid until further notice, and employees with questions should call 336-751-4752.