Shelter-in-Place Order Issued in Fairfield After Fire, Hazmat Response

First responders from Butler and Hamilton County work to contain situation at Koch Foods Plant

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Authorities in Fairfield, Ohio have issued a shelter-in-place order for residents after a fire and hazardous materials incident was reported at the Koch Foods Plant. First responders from Butler and Hamilton County are on the scene working to contain the situation.

Why it matters

Shelter-in-place orders are rare and indicate a potentially serious public safety threat. The Koch Foods Plant is a major employer in the Fairfield area, so any incident there could have significant impacts on the local community.

The details

Details about the exact nature of the fire and hazmat situation at the Koch Foods Plant are still unclear, but first responders are on the scene working to assess and contain the incident. Residents in the surrounding area have been instructed to shelter in place until further notice.

  • The shelter-in-place order was issued around 12:00 PM local time on February 15, 2026.

The players

Koch Foods Plant

A major food processing facility located in Fairfield, Ohio that employs hundreds of local residents.

Butler County

A county in southwestern Ohio that includes the city of Fairfield.

Hamilton County

A county in southwestern Ohio that borders Butler County and includes the city of Cincinnati.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Authorities have not provided a timeline for when the shelter-in-place order may be lifted, as they continue to assess and respond to the situation at the Koch Foods Plant.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and the ability of local authorities to quickly respond to potential public safety threats in the community.