Explosion Reported at Perdue Feed Mill in North Carolina

Cause of blast at Cofield facility remains under investigation, officials say

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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An explosion has been confirmed at a Perdue feed mill in Cofield, North Carolina. Local firefighters and emergency responders are on the scene, but the number of injuries is currently unknown. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, and Perdue is expected to issue a statement regarding the incident and its impact on the facility's operations.

Why it matters

The Perdue feed mill in Cofield is a critical supplier of feed to the company's growers across a large region, so any disruption to its operations could have significant impacts on the local agricultural economy. Explosions at industrial facilities also raise concerns about public safety and environmental hazards that need to be addressed.

The details

The initial call was for a structure fire at the Perdue feed mill facility. Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed both a fire and an explosion at the site. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with local, state, and federal authorities working together on the response. Barricades have been set up on both ends of Perdue Road to allow first responders to safely perform their duties.

  • The initial call came in on February 21, 2026 around 8:04 PM.

The players

Perdue

A major poultry and agricultural products company that operates the feed mill facility where the explosion occurred.

Hertford County Emergency Management

The local emergency management agency that is assisting with the response to the incident.

North Carolina Emergency Management

The state-level emergency management agency that is also involved in the response efforts.

Office of the State Fire Marshal

The state agency investigating the cause of the explosion.

Regional Hazmat Team from Williamston

A specialized hazardous materials response team that has been deployed to the scene.

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What they’re saying

“We are working very closely with our local, state, and federal partners.”

— Davies (roanoke-chowannewsherald.com)

What’s next

Perdue is expected to issue a news release with more details on the impact of the explosion on the feed mill's operations.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of industrial safety and emergency preparedness, as explosions at critical facilities like feed mills can have far-reaching consequences for the local economy and community. Authorities will need to thoroughly investigate the cause to determine if any safety improvements or regulatory changes are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.