Cleanup continues after Chatham ethanol plant fire, water safe

Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue crews respond to a fire at Greenfield Global’s ethanol facility on Bloomfield Road in Chatham on Sept. 16, 2026. The fire, which broke out shortly after midnight, was extinguished just before 8 a.m. and involved a storage tank containing about 700,000 litres of alcohol. No injuries were reported. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)

Chatham-Kent officials say the municipal drinking water supply remains safe following the fire at the Greenfield Global ethanol facility, adding that the community’s water and wastewater systems were not compromised during the incident.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent said normal water pressure was maintained throughout the emergency response, while the elevated water tower remained above the level required to support firefighting operations.

“The municipal water and wastewater systems continued to operate as intended throughout the incident,” Darren Galbraith, general manager of the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission, said in a statement.

Galbraith said precautionary measures were taken to protect the wastewater system during the emergency response and that the potable water supply was never compromised.

Municipal officials said operations at both the water and wastewater systems experienced no adverse effects from the fire.

The municipality also noted that, despite the proximity of the Chatham water treatment plant to the Thames River, the city does not draw its drinking water from the river. Residents are not required to take any action regarding their tap water, officials said.

Meanwhile, environmental response and cleanup efforts continue around the Greenfield Global site.

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has acknowledged responsibility for overseeing cleanup efforts and is working with Greenfield Global on the response, according to the municipality.

The ministry has also been made aware of localized fish deaths observed in the Thames River near the facility. Officials said it has not yet been determined whether the fish mortality is connected to the fire.

Environmental officials are continuing to assess conditions in the area and investigate any potential impacts.

Residents who observe environmental concerns are encouraged to report them to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

The municipality said it will continue supporting the response and provide updates as more information becomes available.