LIBERAL, Kan. (KSNW)—National Beef says it plans to resume production on Monday, March 25, after a fire Wednesday night at its plant in Liberal.

The fire started on the east side of the plant at 1501 E 8th St. around 9:50 p.m.

Liberal Fire Chief Kelly Kirk tells KSN News that loading trailers caught fire, and the fire spread to the building. All employees were able to exit the plant and are accounted for.

Around 1:06 a.m., the fire was declared under control. Most of the damage occurred to six trailers fully loaded with boxed beef. Damage was also reported to the building’s exterior walls and the overhead doors of the loading docks.

The state fire marshal’s office will be investigating to determine how the fire started.

National Beef said the safety of its employees and others on-site is its top priority.

“We are working closely with authorities to determine the cause, assess damage, and prepare for restarting production,” Marcy Johnson, vice president of corporate communications, said.

National Beef sent this message to its employees on Thursday:

Work Schedule Update

Last evening, a trailer parked in the loading dock area caught fire. The fire quickly spread to other trailers and the rear loading doc area. The fire was contained, employees were safely evacuated and there were no injuries.

As we continue to assess the damage and the operational effects, thee will be NO PRODUCTION for A-shift or B-shift today Thursday, March 21, 2024 (Fabrication, Kill Floor, Ground Beef) All other departments, please contact your supervisort for your schedule.

Regular starts are scheduled for ALL employees on Friday, March 22, 2024.

Please be advised that we MAY work on Saturday (March 23) to make up for our lost production today. We will let you know as soon as possible”

National Beef

During the fire, Liberal Fire responded with 21 personnel, two engines, one ladder truck, and four utility vehicles. The Seward County Fire Department responded with nine personnel and five trucks. Other response agencies assisting with the fire are the Liberal Police Department, Seward County EMS, Seward County Emergency Management, and the Liberal / Seward County Emergency Communications Center.

Police asked the public to avoid the area near National Beef at the time of the fire.