Fire Hits Iowa Quaker Oats Plant; Workers Accounted

A fire broke out Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Quaker Oats plant in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after witnesses said they felt a blast. Police and firefighters responded at about 4:45 p.m. All plant employees were accounted for roughly 45 minutes later, and by 7 p.m. officials reported no injuries or deaths. Black smoke rose over the city of about 140,000. Fire officials described the situation as dynamic and ongoing around 6 p.m. A department video showed extensive ash-coated damage; crews prepared a stretcher that did not appear to be used. Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell said the fire started in an area used to move products where few or no employees were present, and that hospitals were prepared but not needed. A PepsiCo Foods US spokesperson confirmed the fire, said employees were accounted for, thanked first responders, and said the cause would be investigated. Officials reported evidence of an explosion and subsequent fire. Sen. Chuck Grassley, Rep. Ashley Hinson, and Josh Turek posted prayers for those at the scene. The plant processes over 2 million pounds of oats daily and is the world's largest milling facility per the company. The cause and full damage extent remained under investigation.