Fire destroys Middleton Farms potato processing plant

St Johns County Fire Rescue informed Historic City News reporters that firefighting resources were deployed this morning in support of efforts to bring a raging warehouse fire under control at Middleton Farms; located at 315 East St Johns Avenue in Hastings.

No injuries have been reported, however, the commercial structure has collapsed. This is the second major loss for the St Johns County potato industry in a week. Last weekend a tornado destroyed several barns and fields of crops in the Elkton area.

“Putnam County Fire Department responded to our mutual aid request,” Fire Rescue spokesman, Lieutenant Jeremy Robshaw told Historic City News. “The industrial fire at the potato processing plant was discovered and reported to us at approximately 3:15 a.m. this morning.”

St Johns County crews arrived to find multiple warehouse-type structures, heavily involved in fire. After firefighters confirmed that the structures were unoccupied and did not have hazardous materials stored inside, they began extinguishing operations.

In all, 3 Engines, 3 Tankers, 1 Heavy Rescue vehicle, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded to the scene; assisting in the firefighting effort for approximately 4 hours at the complex.

At approximately 8:15 this morning, the fire was called “under control” but due to the size and extent of fire, crews remain on the scene. Estimates are that several hours of salvage, overhaul and mop up operations will be required.

Due to the construction type of the warehouses and the extent of fire involvement, several of the buildings collapsed during the firefighting efforts; however, there were no injuries reported during this incident.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and local agencies.