Fire destroys Monon Meat Packing and Catering; residents rally to help

MONON, Ind. (WISH) — A small town gathered to help a local business in their time of need, when a fire ripped through and destroyed a meat packing facility.

Monday at 5:37 p.m. in Monon, Indiana — a town 31 miles north of Lafayette with a population of just under 2,000 — a thick plume of smoke consumed the back of the Monon Meat Packing and Catering building at 402 North Railroad Street, the Monon Volunteer Fire Department said in a Facebook post.

Firefighters worked seven hours through the night to put the flames out. The department says 13 different fire departments from three counties responded to the fire, but they weren’t the only ones to help.

Over 100 people showed up for the fire, with many bringing refreshments to the firefighters and volunteers.

“We would also like to thank all the people who brought drinks and food up to all the volunteers. This was appreciated by all. We may have missed some people who helped but just know we are very thankful for everything,” the Monon Volunteer Fire Department wrote.

“We are so grateful to live in a community that comes together during these times!” Monon Meat Packing and Catering wrote in a social media statement. “As of now, we have no answers. Please just continue to pray for everyone as we try to navigate what’s next and for all of the employees and families affected by this tragedy!”

News 8 reached out to Monon Meat Packing and Catering to learn how many employees are affected by the fire, but has not gotten a reply as of publishing this article.

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