Green Circle Growers Fire Causes Significant Damage

Green Circle Growers

A large fire at Green Circle Growers has reportedly burned as many as 25 greenhouses according to local news reports. The fire also has apparently claimed an office and a seed house at the Top 100 Grower’s facility. No injuries have been reported.

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The fire apparently started a little after 5:00 p.m. EST and burned for 12 hours before firefighters from 12 departments were able to extinguish it. Temperatures in the teens and high winds throughout the night hampered firefighters’ efforts.

Initial news reports say the fire started in a pole barn filled with straw and spread from there, although an official cause has not been announced.
 
While the damage appears to be extensive, things could have gotten much worse, according to a report from fox8.com.

“We were able to stop it from getting to the fertilizer,” said Chief Brian Jackson, Camden Township Fire Department. “There was plastic burning from the visqueen that was on top of the greenhouses. That was where 99 percent of the black smoke was coming from. As far as any chemicals nothing was released.”

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We will be following the story throughout the day and will update this story as more details are available.

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Avatar for Annette Howard Annette Howard says:

What a shame and what a mess! Hope that they are able to get it all cleaned up so the season can start back up for them!

Avatar for Carla Henderson Carla Henderson says:

I am so very sorry to hear of this fire disaster with Green Circle Growers. It is heartfelt from all of us here in the horticultural industry. I pray that the rebuild will be swift and they are back in record time. Kindest Regards, Carla Henderson Field Sales Sunshine Horticulture Apopka, Fla

Avatar for BRYAN BRYAN says:

I hope there were no injuries.

Avatar for bev & tim bev & tim says:

The second major blow to the industry this season…a tragedy. I'm sure they're inundated, but please also follow up with how we as an industry can help out too!

Avatar for Jecki Moshav Jecki Moshav says:

Yes indeed. Horrible news! I am so very sorry to hear about this fire disaster with Green Circle Growers and the damage it causes. With the hope that GCG will be back on their feet ASAP . All the best ….Jecki Moshav Greenex USA

Avatar for John Johnson John Johnson says:

Glad to hear no one was injured. What a tragedy though.Best wishes getting it all going again as soon as possible. JOHN JOHNSON,McDonnell Horticulture

Avatar for Abe VanWingerden, Metrolina Abe VanWingerden, Metrolina says:

I found this press release from Green Circle Growers. Looks like damage was minimized…….and no injuries. — THANKS, Abe Green Circle Growers Sustains Fire Damage to Growing Space, Business Will Continue Running Smoothly Oberlin, Ohio – Green Circle Growers sustained significant damage to a one acre production barn and five acres of greenhouse structure in an early evening blaze that took firefighters 10 hours to extinguish last night. Cause is yet to be determined, but the fire originated in an outdoor area used to store materials. Scott Giesbrecht, co-owner and VP of sales, commented "Our primary concern was the safety of our employees and the firefighters. The firefighters did an excellent job in controlling the blaze despite high winds and freezing temperatures that made their job even more difficult. Thankfully, no one was hurt in either the fire or the process of putting out the fire, and the firefighters were able to minimize the damage through their efforts." Green Circle grows indoor and outdoor plants under 105 acres of greenhouse in Oberlin, Ohio. With more than 600 employees, it serves as one of southern Lorain County's largest employers. "We have strategically built our greenhouse and production facilities to minimize the impact of events like this," said Giesbrecht. "In addition to having alternative production areas in other parts of the facility, we have great relationships with other greenhouses throughout the country if the need arises to have plants grown for us to satisfy our customers' demands. This fire, while a significant event, only impacted 5 percent of the growing space we use, and we are already working on preparations to repair this area." "We are extremely thankful for the outpouring of support already from individuals and businesses in the surrounding community and across the country. We are also blessed to have a great team at Green Circle that is already working together to ensure any interruption of daily business is kept to a minimum. As we work through the next few days, we will keep our customer and industry partners informed of our progress in keeping their business running smoothly.”

Avatar for Marilyn Sparks Marilyn Sparks says:

Plants are not just something shipped in from overseas and stored in a warehouse. Growers put so much into their crops, their sweat and tears. We send our heartfelt thanks that the people are safe and our sadness at your losses. Please know we care and as customers will be patient as you work through it all. Marilyn & Ted Sparks, White House Nursery