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U.S. Fire Administration
Imperial Foods Chicken Processing Plant Fire, Hamlet, NC , September 3, 1991
Summary
25 workers perished and another 56 were injured on Tuesday, September 3rd, 1991 when a fire swept through a chicken processing plant in Hamlet, NC. Hydraulic fluid from a ruptured line under a cooker caught fire and produced heavy amounts of smoke. The fire grew rapidly from there. Many of the victims died while attempting to escape through fire exits that were either locked or blocked off. The plant also lacked basic fire protection systems such as an automatic fire sprinkler system and fire extinguishers (only one present for entire building). Fire doors in the structure did not meet national safety standards, exits were not well marked or visible and there were no evacuation plans for the building.
Read more about this fire online including eyewitness accounts:
- Chicken Processing Plant Fires USFA
- 17 Years After The Chicken Plant Fire - Facilities Manager
- Imperial Foods Processing Plant Fire - F.R.A.M.E.
- View video documentary segment 3
Page Last Updated: September 6th, 2011
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