ELMIRA — A Monday fire which heavily damaged the Kitchen Farms complex on U.S. 131 near Elmira left firefighters still damping out hot spots a day later.
Pete Hoogerhyde, fire chief for Star Township, said the cause of the fire — which started Monday morning at the potato farm in Antrim County — remains under investigation.
"We still have a lot of hot spots and until we get them put out we have to wait so we can get in and take a closer look at everything," he said late Tuesday afternoon.
Hoogerhyde said only the farm home and maintenance garages survived the blaze.
"I am going to say the farm is a total loss. All the warehouse buildings and management office are a total loss," he said.
Hoogerhyde said 23 fire departments from Antrim, Charlevoix, Kalkaska, Montmorency and Otsego counties helped out his department in containing the fire.
"I am very grateful for their assistance and fortunately no one was injured," he added.
Hoogerhyde believes that 2-3 million gallons of water were used on the fire. Portions of US-131 were closed Monday. A shelter-in-place order that was issued for residents within one mile of the farm due to heavy smoke was lifted Tuesday.
Kitchen Farms is a fourth-generation potato farm that is operated by Don Kitchen and family. The farm grows more than 1,200 acres of potatoes each year — including Russet, white, yellow and red varieties — that can be found in major retailers across the state.
Don Kitchen told the Detroit News the company intends to rebuild but it will probably be 2022 before they can complete the process.
Kitchen Farms employs about 15 permanently and has up to 45 workers during the harvest season. The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance said it will be working with state and regional partners to assist the affected employees.
May 20, 2021 at 01:23AM
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Potato farm called 'total loss' after devastating fire in Antrim County - Gaylord Herald Times
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