A third-alarm fire early Wednesday destroyed a warehouse in Wyoming County, leaving the cause under investigation. The blaze erupted at Reisdorf Bros Inc., a family-owned feed mill and farm supply store on Perry Road in Sheldon.
An employee spotted the fire around 3:30 a.m. while arriving at work. Bill Streicher, the county fire coordinator, said the worker immediately realized something was wrong when he saw flames rising into the sky.
Crews from 14 fire departments responded to the scene. Firefighters found a factory building fully engulfed in flames. Kyle Meyer, first assistant chief of the North Java Fire Company, described the structure as “a wide-open building with multiple feed agents for mixing feed, minerals, and other materials.”
Inside the warehouse were seven delivery trucks carrying gallons of diesel fuel, prompting the Wyoming County Hazmat Team to respond. Streicher explained that a 500-gallon diesel tank inside the facility, which powered an in-house generator, was believed to be compromised. Flames from the trucks’ petroleum tanks began breaking down and leaking, creating additional hazards.
Fire crews worked for roughly nine hours to bring the blaze under control. Three firefighters suffered minor injuries, with one transported to a local hospital and the other two treated at the scene.
Cold temperatures added challenges to firefighting efforts. Streicher noted that harsh weather takes a toll on emergency personnel, who were given frequent breaks to warm up during the operation.
The warehouse’s rural location also complicated the response. Meyer explained that water was primarily supplied through a relay system from a nearby creek, as the area does not have hydrant access. Excavators were brought in to remove steel debris and help crews access the fire’s core to ensure it was fully extinguished.
Authorities are investigating the fire’s origin. No injuries to civilians were reported, and the extent of property loss is still being assessed. The community has expressed support for the firefighters, who faced both hazardous fuel materials and extreme weather in their efforts to protect nearby areas.
The incident highlights the challenges of fighting large-scale fires in rural areas, particularly when hazardous materials are involved. Fire departments rely on coordination, specialized teams, and heavy equipment to safely manage such emergencies.
Officials are urging businesses handling flammable materials to review safety protocols and ensure emergency response plans are in place. While Reisdorf Bros Inc. has suffered significant losses, early detection and rapid response prevented injuries and limited damage to surrounding structures.
The Wyoming County warehouse fire serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, prompt reporting, and preparedness in preventing and responding to industrial fires. Fire officials continue to monitor the site and will provide updates as the investigation proceeds.