EMMETSBURG, IA (northwestiowanow.com) — A large bale fire at the POET Bioprocessing plant has been burning since Monday night, sending smoke across the nearby town of Emmetsburg and raising concerns among residents.

The fire involves corn stover bales used in ethanol production and marks the second such incident at the facility this year.

Emmetsburg Mayor Patrick Degen addressed the situation, assuring the public that the fire is under control and poses no risk of spreading. He emphasized that the city is working closely with POET to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Mayor Degen acknowledged the stress and inconvenience the smoke may have caused for local residents. Degen noted that POET crews have been working diligently to move unburned bales away from the fire to reduce its fuel source.

While no injuries have been reported, the repeated fires have raised concerns about safety protocols and fire prevention measures at the facility. A similar bale fire occurred at the plant in February.