Greenfield Global reports that a lightning strike hit a corn-based ethanol storage tank at their Chatham, Ontario facility early Wednesday morning, sparking a significant fire.
“The fire was confined to the storage tank area, has been put out, and there doesn’t seem to be any damage to other parts of the plant,” according to a statement from the company.
The Chatham-Kent municipality notes that initial information indicates the fire might have been caused by a lightning strike; however, the investigation is still ongoing.
No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. Greenfield and fire officials have not yet disclosed an estimated cost for damages.
“All employees and personnel on-site are accounted for and safe,” said the company.
Greenfield mentioned they are closely collaborating with industry partners and local emergency services to ensure “compliance with all environmental and regulatory requirements.”
Officials stated that ensuring the safety of employees and the community is their top priority while also minimizing impacts on customers.
The blaze lasted several hours Wednesday before being extinguished around 8 a. m.
“Currently, there are no signs of air-quality issues related to this incident,” noted the municipality.
“Ethanol is known as a clean-burning fuel that produces relatively low amounts of smoke and airborne particles when burned.”
Greenfield Global Inc. is located on Bloomfield Road in the western part of Chatham, Ontario.
Chatham’s Brooke Primeau works nearby and pulled out her phone to take this photo of the ethanol plant fire around 12:30 a. m., Sept. 16, 2026. (Submitted by Brooke Primeau)
Brooke Primeau from Chatham works late shifts at Dajcor Aluminum – a nearby factory.
“There was lightning everywhere,” she told , describing it as a “great big boom.”
“I’ve seen forest fires way up north … but I’ve only seen them from afar. I’ve never been close to something like that before. We were definitely worried.”
Primeau explained it felt like waves of sound passed through her.
“It was loud. It felt almost like [when] you hear thunder rumbling … right through you. There were lots of lightning bolts.”
The police reported that Bloomfield remains closed between Richmond Street and Riverview Drive.Flames from an ethanol manufacturing facility fire can be seen above a fence, behind a Chatham gas station during the early-morning hours of Sept. 16, 2026. (Submitted by Mike Shaw)
Bloomfield Road will stay closed between Riverview Drive and the railway tracks while cleanup efforts continue, according to officials.
“Businesses along Richmond Street and Bloomfield Road are open for business. Residents and drivers should follow posted signs and avoid that section of Bloomfield Road while crews work.”
St. Clair Township Sends Firefighters
The Township of St. Clair announced they deployed about 15 firefighters along with their chief, deputy chiefs, and emergency response teams from Borouge International (previously NOVA Chemicals) and Shell who supplied specialized foam for firefighting efforts.
The department also used drones to keep track of real-time temperatures in tanks-this helps ensure firefighter safety during operations.
“Our firefighters are trained and ready to respond whenever they’re needed,” said Fire Chief Richard Boyes. “When neighboring communities ask for help, we proudly provide our expertise, personnel, and specialized tactical resources for effective emergency responses.”
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