CUDAHY, WIS. — Patrick Cudahy officials relayed late in the afternoon of July 8 Cudahy Fire Chief Dan Mayer had declared the fire at their meat processing plant in Milwaukee that began Sunday night was finally extinguished. Damage assessment is moving so fast the company stated its goal is to have most of the plant’s production workers return to work within the next two weeks.

"That as many as 70% of our workers could be back on the job in two weeks is wonderful news that I am proud to deliver," said Bill Otis, president of Patrick Cudahy.

The plant’s cooked ham and sliced meats processing areas, as well as some of microwave bacon lines, were affected by the fire. However, the company’s offices, a portion of the meat processing plant and the facility’s power plant were not damaged.