Horizon Biofuels, Inc. is a Nebraska-based company specializing in the manufacture of premium wood pellets derived from waste wood, designed for home heating and commercial or industrial energy applications. In addition to producing wood fuel pellets, the company also manufactures animal bedding from waste softwoods under the brand Elkhorn Valley Animal Bedding. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Fremont, Nebraska, Horizon Biofuels operates with fewer than 25 employees and generates annual revenues under $5 million[1][3]. The company’s pellet production capacity is notable within Nebraska, with Horizon Biofuels capable of producing up to 20,000 short tons of pellets annually, making it one of three commercial pellet plants in the state with significant output[5]. Horizon Biofuels has faced serious challenges related to industrial safety. In July 2025, a catastrophic explosion and fire occurred at its Fremont facility, caused by an accidental dust fire igniting suspended wood dust particles. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a father and his two young daughters. The explosion caused structural collapse and complicated emergency response efforts. Prior to this event, the company had received several OSHA citations for safety violations, highlighting ongoing risks in biomass processing facilities[2][4][6]. Following the incident, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) launched a formal investigation, emphasizing the importance of preventing combustible dust disasters in industry. The CSB does not issue fines but provides safety recommendations to improve industrial practices and worker safety[6]. Despite its modest size, Horizon Biofuels plays a key role in the renewable energy and biomass sector, producing sustainable fuel products from wood waste. However, the company’s recent tragedy underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures in biofuel manufacturing environments[1][2][4][6].