No Injuries in Commercial Oven Fire at Post Consumer Brands Plant on Cliff Street

A wave of relief spread through Battle Creek after a commercial oven fire at the Post Consumer Brands facility was swiftly extinguished Sunday evening.

Thankfully, officials confirmed there were no injuries in the commercial oven fire at Post Consumer Brands on Cliff Street, a detail that is paramount for the entire community.

The incident occurred shortly before 5 p.m. on January 11, drawing a prompt response from the Battle Creek Fire Department.

Crews from Engine 3, Engine 1, and Car 3 were initially dispatched to the sprawling plant at 275 Cliff St. following a commercial fire alarm.

Upon arrival, they were met by Post employees who reported a fire inside a large industrial oven.

The situation was tense, as temperatures inside the oven were soaring beyond normal operating limits, even after some water had already been applied by staff.

Firefighters from Engine 3, working closely with Post personnel, located the fire on the fourth floor of the massive structure.

Simultaneously, the crew from Engine 1 ascended to the roof to check for any fire extension and to inspect critical ductwork, a crucial step in preventing a wider blaze.

The timing of the incident was particularly sensitive, coming just as the company begins a period of planned employee separations at the historic plant.

As a precautionary measure, Car 3 requested additional support, bringing Rescue 2 to the scene.

The combined teams worked to gain full access to the oven, locate the burning materials, and completely extinguish the lingering fire.

Their coordinated efforts were a powerful display of professionalism and efficiency.

Crews remained on site for about an hour to ventilate the area and ensure the scene was secure.

The successful containment was a testament to the collaboration between city firefighters and the prepared employees at Post, an institution deeply woven into the fabric of the "Cereal City."

It was a moment that could have escalated quickly, but instead ended with a safe resolution and no harm to any of the workers or first responders involved.

The event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in large-scale industrial operations and the vital importance of rapid emergency response.

For now, Battle Creek can be grateful for a crisis averted.

FAQ

Were there any injuries in the Post cereal plant fire?

No, there were no injuries reported for either Post employees or Battle Creek Fire Department personnel during the commercial oven fire on January 11.

Which fire department responded to the Cliff Street fire?

The Battle Creek Fire Department responded to the incident at Post Consumer Brands, with units including Engine 3, Engine 1, Rescue 2, and Car 3 on the scene.

What was the cause of the fire at Post in Battle Creek?

The fire was contained to burning materials inside a commercial oven on the fourth floor of the facility. Quick intervention prevented it from spreading.