Fire tears through C. Ind. meat processing plant

COLFAX, Ind. — Fire tore through a meat processing business in central Indiana after what workers said was an explosion in its smokehouse.

Several fire departments responded to what the apparent grease fire Monday at the This Old Farm Meats and Processing plant in the Clinton County town of Colfax. The 10 people and five head of cattle that were in the building at the time all escaped safely.

Worker Mike Bruton tells the Journal & Courier that he tried to put out the blaze with fire extinguishers but that it quickly became too hot and smoky.

The fire sent black smoke from the building about 20 miles southeast of Lafayette and caused the roof to collapse.

Owner Jessica Smith says the business was among two certified organic meat processing plants in Indiana.