35 years later, North Carolina remembers 25 lives lost in Hamlet fire

Hamlet, NC (WWAY) — Thursday marks 35 years since the Imperial Foods fire in Hamlet killed 25 people and injured dozens more, a tragedy that led to changes in workplace and fire safety across North Carolina.

The fire broke out Sept. 3, 1991, at the Imperial Foods chicken processing plant. Twenty-five people died and 54 others were injured.

Investigations after the fire identified problems involving exits and other life-safety conditions at the plant. The tragedy prompted state officials and lawmakers to review how workplace and fire safety requirements were established, inspected and enforced.

The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal says the fire helped drive broader changes in the state’s approach to fire codes, workplace safety and emergency preparedness.

“Thirty-five years may have passed, but we must never forget the 25 people whose lives were lost that day,” State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor said in a statement.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at the former Imperial Foods site at the corner of Bridges and Spear streets in Hamlet. The Office of State Fire Marshal is expected to take part in the service.

The agency says the anniversary is intended to honor the victims, their families and the lasting impact the fire had on safety standards in North Carolina.