Fire at Emmetsburg Ethanol Plant Ruled Arson; $10,000 Reward Offered

(EMMETSBURG, IA) – Authorities have determined that a week-long fire in May at the POET Bioprocessing plant in Emmetsburg was intentionally set, according to the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office.

The fire broke out in the plant’s stackyard on May 12 and burned for seven days, causing an estimated $5 million in damages. No injuries were reported, and plant operations have continued safely since the incident.

POET Bioprocessing is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for starting the fire.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office.