The four-alarm fire at the Blue Diamond almond factory started around 9:30 p.m. Monday. By 11:45 p.m., thanks to the effort of more than 100 Sacramento firefighters, the blaze successfully had been knocked down.
Three Blue Diamond employees were treated for smoke inhalation, but the damage could have been much worse had Sacramento Fire not responded as quickly and skillfully as it did. At the time of the fire, around 250 employees were working the graveyard shift in the manufacturing facility and had to be evacuated.
“We never want to see any injuries, but we were pleased this fire was extinguished as fast as it was,” said Sac Fire spokesman Capt. Keith Wade.
Blue Diamond Growers this week released a statement that read in part: “We extend our deepest appreciation for the quick response of the emergency first responders who were on the scene (Monday) night and quickly contained the situation. Safety of our employees is a top priority at all Blue Diamond facilities. We are currently focused on learning ore about the incident and providing support to our employees.”
Approximately 115 firefighters — almost all of Sacramento’s on-duty force — responded to Monday’s fire at Blue Diamond’s historic campus. Sacramento Metro Fire and agencies from West Sacramento, Elk Grove and other areas also provided support.
Blue Diamond Growers is the world’s largest tree nut processing and marketing company. The cooperative was founded in 1910 and is headquartered in Sacramento.
