Machinery Fire at Blommer Chocolate Plant in Chicago

Fire crews were called to the Blommer Chocolate production plant in Chicago on Tuesday after a blaze ignited in a piece of equipment, several local news organizations reported. 

Firefighters responded to the West Kinzie Street site after the fire started at about 11:10 a.m. in a machine on the facility’s roof, officials from the Chicago Fire Department told the Chicago Tribune. The flames were doused in about 45 minutes. 

“They have roasters up there (on the roof) and something malfunctioned,” fire department spokesperson Larry Langford said in an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times. The official said the fire only impacted the structure’s exterior. 

Workers managed to evacuate the building safely during the incident, Blommer Chocolate Chief People Officer Margaret Sofio said in coverage by Fox 32 Chicago. No injuries were reported.

Blommer Chocolate is North America’s largest cocoa processor and supplier of ingredient chocolate. The was acquired by Japanese plant-based foods producer Fuji Oil Holdings in November 2018, Powder & Bulk Solids reported.

This March, a fire broke out at another Blommer Chocolate plant in Upper Hanover Township, PA.

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