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Datacenter at Frito-Lay Distribution Building Destroyed in Flash Electrical Fire
A fast-moving electrical fire tore through the server and logistics datacenter housed inside the Frito-Lay distribution facility on Industrial Parkway early Wednesday morning, leaving the building's technology infrastructure a total loss, fire officials said.
Crews from the Casper Fire Department were dispatched at approximately 2:18 a.m. after an automated fire alarm triggered at the 280,000-square-foot facility at 4500 Industrial Parkway. Upon arrival, firefighters reported heavy smoke billowing from the east wing of the structure, which housed the building's datacenter and distribution logistics systems.
"When we got on scene, the fire had already taken hold of the server room," said Battalion Chief Marcus Ellison. "The intensity of the electrical fire and the density of the equipment made it extremely challenging. We transitioned to a defensive posture within minutes to protect the rest of the structure."
The blaze, which officials are classifying as a flash electrical fire, is believed to have originated in a high-density battery backup array within the datacenter. Fire investigators say the rapid ignition is consistent with a thermal runaway event, a cascading failure in lithium-ion battery cells that can produce extreme heat in seconds.
According to a recent report from the Uptime Institute, datacenter fire incidents have been on the rise nationally, with experts warning that the growing reliance on lithium-ion battery systems in densely packed server environments poses an increasingly serious fire hazard.
No injuries were reported among the facility's overnight staff of 14 workers, all of whom evacuated safely. The distribution warehouse portion of the building sustained smoke and water damage but remained structurally intact.
PepsiCo, the parent company of Frito-Lay, confirmed the incident in a statement released Wednesday morning. "We are grateful that all employees are safe. We are cooperating fully with local fire investigators and assessing the extent of the damage," the statement read. "Distribution operations from this location will be temporarily rerouted to regional partner facilities."
The fire comes at a turbulent time for Frito-Lay's distribution network. The company has been closing facilities across the country in recent months, including a warehouse in Rancho Cucamonga, California that resulted in 248 layoffs, and an Orlando, Florida plant closure affecting nearly 500 workers. PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta has cited shifting consumer behavior and the need to restructure capacity as reasons behind the consolidations.
City officials said Industrial Parkway between Route 7 and Commerce Drive remained closed as of 6 a.m. Wednesday, with no timetable for reopening. Residents in the adjacent Millbrook neighborhood reported smelling smoke overnight.
The State Fire Marshal's office has been called in to assist with the investigation. Officials said a preliminary cause determination is expected within 72 hours.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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