Lathrop Grain Elevator Catches Fire

No injuries were reported after a grain elevator in Northwest Missouri’s Lathrop caught fire early Thursday morning.  Television station KCTV reports that several agencies including the Lathrop Fire Protection District responded to the blaze at the 100-year old Lathrop Food Seed Grain facility.  The fire destroyed the office, scale station and store, and surrounding residents reported melted siding on their homes.  A loss of power for part of the city resulted in Lathrop R-II Schools canceling class Thursday.  Firefighters say the smell of smoke and the sight of steam will remain for several days and the public is advised to continue avoiding the vicinity of the elevator.

A statement to the TV station from facility owners Redwood Group said that all of the facility’s personnel are safe and accounted for, and that the company is working with local officials to determine the cause of the fire.  Redwood Group’s website says their Lathrop facility handles identity-preserved non-GMO food grade soybeans and grains alongside grain storage and a merchandising program.