Thousands of chickens die in massive fire at northeast Nebraska food plant

Work has resumed at a northeast Nebraska chicken plant a day after a massive fire destroyed one of the plant’s newest buildings.

Firefighters responded to reports of a blaze at the Michael Foods farm operation near Bloomfield around 5:15 Thursday night. Crews from at least seven fire departments helped fight the fire.

State Senator Tim Gragert represents the Bloomfield area and spoke with members of the Creighton Fire Department. He says crews concentrated on preventing the fire from spreading to other buildings. Gragert says the burned building houses 400,000 chickens. Most died in the blaze.

A news release from Michael Foods owner Post Holdings says all employees were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is being investigated.

Workers were back on site this morning.