09/03/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ward Companies Express Gratitude Following Horseheads Facility Fire
HORSEHEADS, N.Y. | September 3, 2026
Following the recent fire at our Horseheads facility, I want to personally express my sincere
gratitude to the firefighters, emergency medical personnel, 911 dispatchers and operators, law
enforcement, county personnel, emergency management teams, and everyone who responded
and provided assistance.
The professionalism, dedication, and courage shown by those who answered the call made an
incredible impact during a very difficult situation. From the moment the emergency was
reported, responders worked together to protect our people, our facility, and the surrounding
community.
We especially want to recognize the Big Flats Fire Department, which led the response, along
with the many departments that provided mutual aid:
Chemung County: Baldwin Fire Department, Breesport Fire Department, Elmira Heights Fire
Department, Golden Glow Fire Department, Horseheads Fire Department, Millport Fire
Department, Southport Fire Department, Tompkins Corners Fire Department, Town & Country
Fire Department, Webb Mills Fire Department, Wellsburg Fire Department, East Hill Fire
Department, West Elmira Fire Department, and Van Etten Fire Department.
Steuben County: Corning Joint Fire District, Painted Post Fire Department, and Gang Mills Fire
Department.
Schuyler County: Montour Falls Fire Department and Watkins Glen Fire Department.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation the Town of Big Flats, Chemung County
Executive Christopher “Chris” Moss, Chemung County Emergency Management personnel,
all county staff who assisted throughout the response. Their leadership, coordination, and
support helped ensure that the resources needed during this emergency were available when
they were needed most.
We also want to thank our fire departments, first responders, customers, vendors, suppliers,
other partners, friends, and members of the community who have reached out with
encouragement, assistance, and support. It has meant a great deal to our entire team.
We are currently operational. Our teams are continuing to assess the facility and determine the
steps necessary to return to full operational status. We are actively working through those
plans while supporting our employees and doing everything possible to minimize disruptions
for our customers and business partners.While there are challenges ahead, I remain confident in our people and in the future of this
company.
Buildings can be repaired. Equipment can be replaced. What matters most is the strength,
dedication, and commitment of the people who make Ward what it is.
We will rebuild, we will come back stronger, and we will do it together.
To everyone who responded, assisted, reached out, or stood beside us during this time, please
know how much your support is appreciated.
With Gratitude,
Scott Beecher
