FAIRFIELD, OHIO (RFD NEWS) — The body of an employee who had been unaccounted for following a massive fire at the Koch Foods poultry processing plant in Fairfield has been recovered, authorities confirmed Monday.
The fire, which began early Sunday morning, prompted a three-alarm response from more than 100 firefighters. An explosion was reported during the blaze, and part of the 600,000-square-foot facility suffered a roof collapse.
The deceased has been identified as Griffin Darrow, 25, according to the Butler County Coroner’s Office. Smoke inhalation is believed to be the cause of death. At least three other workers were injured; two were treated and released from a local hospital.
During the response, officials issued a two-mile shelter-in-place order due to concerns about ammonia refrigerant tanks on site. Air monitoring later confirmed that no hazardous levels were detected in the surrounding area, and the order was lifted.
Investigators from the Fairfield Fire Investigation Unit, the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office, and federal agencies, including OSHA, are reviewing the cause of the fire and explosion.
Strong seasonal demand and manageable production growth continue to support poultry markets.
February 03, 2026 01:35 PM
·
Even small declines in the calf crop translate into sustained supply pressure, supporting cattle prices over multiple years.
February 03, 2026 12:22 PM
·
Quinn Rutt of Upstream Ranch previews the Nebraska cattle operation’s 49th Annual Production Sale where buyers can expect standout sire groups and a blend of long-standing ranch practices with modern genetic selection.
January 30, 2026 03:23 PM
·
Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, provides new updates on winter storm impacts and the outlook for rural power reliability.
January 30, 2026 02:59 PM
·
Jessi Grote from the AgriSafe Network provides winter safety guidance for rural communities still recovering from the recent winter storm.
January 30, 2026 01:42 PM
·
The changing political climate in America is leading to a drop in migrant crossings near the U.S.-Mexico border, where ranchers like Dr. Mike Vickers say they witnessed horrors from death to child trafficking.
January 30, 2026 11:47 AM
·
Often overlooked, cotton wholesalers act as stabilizers during market stress, translating fragmented retail demand into workable production programs for mills and manufacturers.
January 30, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Eliza Petry joins the RFD News team with a strong connection to agriculture and a commitment to covering the people and issues that matter most to rural America.
January 29, 2026 01:31 PM
·
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
January 28, 2026 01:36 PM
·
