Tyson Fire – *Live Updates*

From the Garden City Police Department

*UPDATE*

Today, at approximately 9:30 A.M., the Tyson Fresh Meats Finney County plant
fire was under control. At approximately 11:00 A.M., the Finney County Sheriff’s
Office and Finney County Emergency Medical Services were released from the
scene.

The Garden City Fire Department has crews remaining on scene throughout the
afternoon to keep an eye out for any flare-ups.
Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., has asked us to relay the message they will be opening
their doors today, August 10, 2019, from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. for employees to
retrieve their items, such as keys and wallets, left behind when they vacated the
building. Tyson staff is asking for, employees only, to come to the plant as to not
congest the area. Tyson staff is also asking for all employees to monitor Tyson’s
social media site for further updates.

The support and generosity from our community to the emergency responders has
been overwhelming. We are grateful to have so many individuals and businesses
come forward to offer their help. We now join the community and direct our
support to Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., and its employees. The community stands
ready to assist.

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As of 8:00 A.M. this morning, the fire is still active. Crews are still on scene at this
time and the fire has been contained to the area it began. Please keep them in
your thoughts as they continue to fight the fire.

Approximately 75 employees were bussed to Holcomb Elementary, which had
been set up as a reunification point for employees. Shortly before 1:00 A.M., all
employees had dispersed from the school. Red Cross and Salvation Army
provided support and assistance at Holcomb Elementary.

Finney County EMS, Finney County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol and
Red Cross remain on scene to assist Garden City and Holcomb fire department
personnel fighting the fire. The extent of the damage is unknown at this time.
There is a partial roof collapse in the area of where the fire began.

Fire fighters and first responders appreciate the donated goods that were
delivered over night. They have adequate supplies for the duration of the event.
We ask that any future donations for first responders be coordinated through
Finney County Emergency Management Interim Director, Anthony Cruz. He can
be reached at 620-272-3747.

There will be an additional update at 1:00 P.M. today.

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Tonight at 8:35 P.M., Garden City Communications Center received a 911 call from
Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. The 911 call came from the operations manager who said there
was a fire in the west side of the building where the process begins. It is currently an
active fire, and fire crews are still on scene and working to put the fire out. There are
additional trucks on the scene to assist. Finney County Emergency Management is also
on scene as well as the Finney County Sheriff’s Office.

There were approximately 1200 employees on scene at the time the fire started, and all
have been evacuated. There are no injuries reported at this time. Garden City Police
department is working with USD 457 to send buses out to transport employees from
Tyson Fresh Meats to Wiley Elementary in Holcomb. Red Cross has arrived at Wiley to
assist those who have been displaced by the fire.

We ask that you stay clear of the area as the crews are actively working to put out the
fire and secure the area.

Tyson has asked us to relay the message; there will be no “A” shift production for
process and harvest tomorrow, August 10, 2019.