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Swift Response by Lamar Fire Department Prevents Major Damage at Colorado Mills
Description: Lamar Fire Department and regional mutual aid partners swiftly contained a mechanical fire at the Colorado Mills facility in Lamar, Colorado. No injuries were reported, damage was minimal, and operations are expected to resume quickly. Courtesy Photo. Read the Full Statement from Lamar Mayor Kirk Crespin...
Lamar Fire Department and Mutual Aid Partners Contain Blaze at Colorado Mills Facility
LAMAR, CO — The Lamar Fire Department, supported by the Prowers County Rural Fire Department, law enforcement, and a dedicated team of local volunteer firefighters, successfully extinguished a mechanical fire late yesterday at the Colorado Mills facility. Colorado Mills is a vital local producer of high-oleic sunflower oil and livestock feed.
Incident Response: At 5:51pm fire crews arrived on the scene to find fire and smoke from a hopper and a roaster on the second story of the building. Firefighters immediately initiated a controlled suppression strategy and conducted a primary search of the building to ensure all occupants were safe. The operation required a significant deployment of resources, including over 600 feet of hose to reach the seat of the fire. It took crews approximately 30 minutes to fully extinguish the blaze and transition into overhaul operations to ensure no hidden hotspots remained.
Safety and Damage Assessment: At the time of the incident, employees were on the premises but were not in immediate danger. There were no injuries reported to civilians, employees, or emergency personnel. The fire resulted in only minor damage, primarily concentrated above the refinery area of the building. A preliminary investigation suggests the fire was caused by a component that overheated and led to a mechanical failure. However, the exact cause remains under formal investigation.
Official Statement: “The swift coordination between our dispatchers, Police and Sheriff’s departments, firefighters and medical team was instrumental in preventing a much larger tragedy today,” said Kirk Crespin, Mayor of Lamar. “Their rapid response kept the fire contained and protected nearby properties. Our priority is the safety of our residents and the employees at this location, and we are grateful no injuries occurred. Colorado Mills reports only minimal disruption and is expected to resume normal operations today.”
About Colorado Mills: Based in Lamar, Colorado, Colorado Mills is a zero-waste sunflower processing plant. Since 2002, the company has grown into a major regional employer with a dedicated workforce of approximately 60 people, supporting local agriculture and sustainable farming practices through the production of high-quality sunflower oil and livestock feed.
About the City of Lamar: The City of Lamar serves as the seat of Prowers County and a vital economic hub for Southeast Colorado. Located at the crossroads of U.S. Highways 50 and 287, Lamar is a community rooted in agricultural heritage and forward-thinking industry. The City is dedicated to providing high-quality municipal services, fostering a safe environment for its residents, and supporting local businesses that drive the regional economy. Through its professional fire, police, and emergency services, Lamar remains committed to the safety, security, and well-being of all who live, work, and visit the "Gateway to the Southeast. Mayor Kirk Crespin, and City Administrator Mitch Hammes, look forward to visiting with you about opportunities that exist in Lamar. Lamar is open for business!
Lamar Fire would like to personally thank Prowers County Rural Fire, Lamar Police Department, Prowers County Sheriff’s office, Colorado State Patrol, Atmos energy, Lamar Light and power as well as Prowers County Dispatch. Without you all responding and showing dedication to the City of Lamar’s citizens, this call could have been substantially worse if it weren’t for all the responders.
Apparatus on the ticker were as follows:Truck 1, Quint 1, Engine 6, Engine 7, Rescue 1, Med 1, FRU 2, Prowers Rural 6520, Prowers Rural 6521, Prowers Rural 6529, Prowers Rural 1
Photos Courtesy Lamar Fire & Emergency Services
