A fire has been reported at the Darigold plant in downtown Caldwell. The fire reportedly started around 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Darigold facility in Caldwell produces powdered milk and butter. Darigold officials reported on Twitter that everyone that was inside the building is safe.
A truck driver from Twin Falls we spoke with said when he pulled up around 2 p.m., he saw employees running out of the building telling people to get out. That driver took his truck around the block and he says he will likely have to take it to another location, probably somewhere in Utah, on Wednesday.
Several agencies responded to the fire, including fire crews from Nampa, Caldwell and Parma. Idaho Power crews were also on the scene.
Firefighters are responding to a fire at our Caldwell plant in Idaho. Initial reports are that all people are safe. This is a developing situation and we will share news as it comes in.
— Darigold (@darigold) October 12, 2021
The Associated Press reports Darigold operates 11 processing facilities throughout the Northwest. It is not currently known how the fire started.
In a statement, Darigold officials confirmed no one was injured in the fire and impacted employees will be offered employment at other facilities.
"Darigold is saddened to confirm that our plant in Caldwell, Idaho suffered fire damage. We are grateful for the prompt actions of our employees and that none were injured in the incident," the statement reads. "Our hearts go out to our farmer-owners who depend on this plant for their livelihood.We are doing everything we can to re-route their milk to other facilities and we are exploring other ways we can support our members until the plant reopens.We will also be offering employees temporary assignments in other nearby facilities. Lastly, we are grateful to the Caldwell Fire Department for their tireless work fighting the fire and limiting its spread. The plant will remain closed while we investigate the cause and repair damage caused by the fire."
