A fire at Pioneer Flower Farms late Friday night engulfed residential buildings housing migrant workers.
As CBC News reports, the fire impacted the 650,000 to 700,000-square-foot structure, made up of a series of greenhouses and outbuildings. Without municipal fire hydrants close by, tanker tanks were used to set up a water supply.
Owners of the greenhouse operation, the Sikking family released a statement confirming that no one was injured, but personal and business effects were lost.
Approximately 25 migrant workers have been displaced, reports CBC News, and authorities were still putting out hot spots Sunday morning, though active flames had been extinguished.
“We are cooperating fully with local officials to determine the cause of the fire, and will share more details as they are available,” writes the Sikkings, thanking first responders, local fire departments, and the community for their support.
According to Pioneer Flower Farms, they are one of the largest bulb-forcing farms in North America, sourcing material from the Netherlands for cut and potted flower production.
The family has since asked the community to put a hold on donations for migrant workers, as they sort through and divide existing donations that have poured in over the weekend. The family is currently looking to borrow tools and safety gear for clean-up.
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