Sheldon, Iowa — An explosion that could be felt for several blocks rocked Deluxe Feeds Dairy Feed building at mid-afternoon Tuesday.
Sheldon Assistant Fire Chief Brad Hindt spoke to media at the scene of the explosion at about 7:15 Tuesday evening, and talked about what he observed upon arriving at the scene.
He says there were five people in the building at the time of the explosion.
Hindt described the damage from the explosion as “extensive”.
He said the mill was operating at the time of the explosion, making dairy feed.
Emergency personnel from the Sanborn Fire Department, Sheldon Community Ambulance Team, Sheldon Police Department, Sheldon EMA, O’Brien County EMA and the Sioux County EMA Drone Team all responded to assist the Sheldon Fire Company, and Hindt says his department is very grateful for that assistance.
He says the cause of the explosion and resultant fire has yet to be determined, and is still under investigation.
Tuesday’s explosion at Deluxe Feeds marks the second time in just over five weeks that a Sheldon livestock feed manufacturer had their facility damaged by an explosion. On Friday, June 14th, firefighters responded to an explosion at the Ag Partners location on 2nd Avenue in Sheldon.
Aerial photos courtesy Sioux County Sheriff’s Office
Images of Deluxe Feeds explosion site below, and top of page were taken by KIWA staff
Blown out section of building visible at top center of photo
Photo shows extensive damage caused by explosion at Deluxe Feeds in Sheldon Tuesday
Smoke can be seen rising from the Deluxe Feeds plant shortly after the explosion and fire
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First update 6:48pm, 7/23/2019
Sheldon, Iowa — Kent Feeds officials have released more information about the fire call to their Deluxe Feeds facility in Sheldon Tuesday afternoon.
A Kent Feeds spokesperson issued the following statement early Tueday evening:
“On July 23, an explosion occurred at the Deluxe Feeds facility located in Sheldon, Iowa. The cause of the explosion is under investigation. The safety and security of those on site is our top priority. While no individual was injured as a result of the explosion, there was damage to the facility. We are grateful to the local fire departments and law enforcement for their quick response protecting our employees and the general public.”
KIWA will continue to update this developing story.
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Original post 4:15pm 7/23/2019
Sheldon, Iowa — Sheldon Emergency Services crews were dispatched to Deluxe Feeds Dairy in southwest Sheldon at approximately 3:45 Tuesday afternoon to the report of a fire.
The Sheldon Fire Department reportedly requested Sanborn Fire Department for assistance, as well as requesting the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office to bring their drone to the scene.
We’ll bring you more information when it becomes available.
KIWA Staff Photo
