Regional Fire Departments Respond to Multi-Alarm Blaze at Sanimax Facility in South St. Paul
Updated: 8:20 AM on August 7, 2025.
SOUTH ST PAUL, MINNESOTA—Fire crews from multiple departments responded Wednesday evening to a fire at the Sanimax facility in South St. Paul, after reports of a fire in a tank containing animal fat inside the building at the facility.
The initial call came in just before 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, prompting a response from the South Metro and Inver Grove Heights Fire Departments. The incident was quickly escalated, and by 5:40 p.m., it was upgraded to a second-alarm, triggering mutual aid from the Eagan and Mendota Heights Fire Departments. According to South Metro Fire Chief Mark Erickson, around 6:03 p.m., the call was upgraded to a third-alarm after it was confirmed to be a working fire that was producing high heat and was in an elevated area that could only be accessed by a series of catwalks. The upgrade to a third alarm, assured there was adequate support of resources to control the fire and maintain firefighter safety. This brought additional mutual aid from the Newport and Apple Valley Fire Departments.
While crews arrived on scene, they did find that one private hydrant on the property was not working. The Chief states that crews were able to locate another private hydrant they were able to use. None of the hydrants they used were City of South St Paul hydrants.
After hard work from fire crews and help from firefighting foam, the fire was able to be contained in about two hours. Two firefighters were reportedly treated and released from the scene by M Health Fairview - EMA for heat related issues. No other injuries were reported.
“We'd like to thank our response partners: Inver Grove Heights Fire, Mendota Heights Fire, Eagan Fire, Newport Fire, Apple Valley Fire, M Health Fairview - EMS and South St. Paul Police Department for their assistance.” - South Metro Fire Chief Mark Erickson
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined and remains under investigation. Authorities have not issued any public health advisories at this time.
According to the Director of Production for Sanimax, Jordan Unser:
“There was a fire tonight at the Sanimax facility in South St. Paul, which involved part of the facility. All emergency systems, including sprinklers and smoke alarms, were activated as designed. We are unaware of any injuries or any immediate risks to the surrounding area due to the incident. All emergency response protocols were followed and executed as planned. Our initial assessment is that the incident was contained and will not impact our critically important and ongoing operations. Local emergency response teams coordinated with our team to help manage and control the situation. We will share more information, and we are thankful for the coordinated response effort from the local first responders.”
Sanimax, located in South St. Paul’s industrial area, processes animal by-products and waste into usable materials like fats and oils. The specific tank involved reportedly contained animal fat, which can present unique hazards in fire situations due to its combustibility.
We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Written By: Will Wight
