A fire broke out Saturday afternoon at a Quaker Oats plant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, sending a large plume of black smoke over the downtown area.
According to the Associated Press, the Cedar Rapids Fire Department received the call at approximately 4:45 p.m. Saturday. Photos and videos shared on social media showed smoke rising over the city as emergency crews responded to the facility.
There were no immediate reports of injuries, and officials had not yet determined what caused the fire, according to AP.
Local officials later said firefighters responding to the facility found what appeared to be evidence of an explosion followed by a fire. CBS2 Iowa reported that all plant workers had been accounted for as of approximately 5:30 p.m.
Video: Large columns of smoke seen amid reports of explosion and fire at Quaker Oats factory in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Video from KCRG’s Facebook account) pic.twitter.com/oUPscdrhER— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) October 24, 2026
Firefighters Respond to Quaker Oats Plant
The fire occurred at the Quaker Oats facility near downtown Cedar Rapids, an area where the plant has long been a prominent part of the city’s skyline.
The Cedar Rapids Fire Department was dispatched around 4:45 p.m. after a report of an explosion, according to CBS2 Iowa. Firefighters subsequently found evidence consistent with an explosion and a fire at the facility.
A large amount of smoke was visible from throughout the city, and emergency vehicles responded to the scene. Traffic was also affected on Interstate 380 near the S-curve as crews worked at the plant.
The Quaker Oats Plant Is a Major Part of Cedar Rapids
The incident is occurring at one of the most recognizable industrial facilities in Cedar Rapids. According to AP, Quaker Oats describes the facility as the largest milling facility in the world. The plant processes more than 2 million pounds of oats every day, or roughly 900,000 kilograms.
The plant’s massive production is a significant part of Quaker Oats’ operations.
