Fire Destroys Structures at BitDeer Bitcoin Mining Site in Ohio

A fire broke out at BitDeer Technologies’ Bitcoin and crypto mining facility in Massillon, Ohio hours ago, destroying two buildings under construction. Local firefighters responded quickly to the blaze at the 221-megawatt site, which remains on track for a phased energization starting in November with a full launch planned for the first quarter of 2026. Eyewitness accounts from the scene highlight the rapid spread of flames through the structures, raising questions about safety protocols during the build-out.

Todd Stein, an Ohio-based electrician who said a contractor friend notified him about the fire, shared real-time updates about the incident. He described how the fire consumed two of the buildings. He said the fire was due to a “welding accident.” BitDeer co-founder Jihan Wu followed up with a brief statement, noting that the affected buildings represent two out of 26 total and confirming no injuries occurred.

Operational Setbacks and Market Reaction

The destruction at the Massillon site comes at a critical juncture for BitDeer, as the company pushes forward with its U.S. expansion amid a volatile crypto landscape. Construction crews had already completed a 21-megawatt phase targeted for activation this month, but the fire could push back the broader rollout by months. Company executives dispatched a senior management team to the location immediately, with plans underway for a thorough investigation into the cause.

BitDeer shares are trading lower after the news broke, dropping about 15% to close at $15.02 after opening from the previous day’s $17.65 mark. The facility, spanning multiple acres with substation work already in progress, stands as a cornerstone of BitDeer’s North American ambitions.

Authorities have not yet released an official determination on the fire’s origin, though responders emphasized the site’s remote location helped limit complications.

BitDeer had touted the project as a boon for the region, promising up to 70 positions once operational. The incident underscores the challenges of rapid infrastructure development in the crypto sector, where high-stakes builds often race against market cycles.

Replies to Stein’s social media post revealed a mix of sympathy and speculation. Some users pointed to an unusual pre-market dip in BitDeer stock earlier that day, fueling unverified theories about insider awareness or even deliberate acts. While these comments lack substantiation, they reflect the heightened scrutiny on public companies in the Bitcoin mining space during periods of expansion.

BitDeer has maintained a steady pace in its global operations this year, with recent production updates showing consistent hash rate growth. The Massillon datacenter forms part of a larger push into owned land assets, including 41.8 acres secured earlier in 2025. Financing from partners like Tether has supported phased completions, starting with Q3 builds and extending into next year.

As investigations proceed, BitDeer leadership will likely provide more details on repair timelines and insurance coverage. The event highlights the risks inherent in constructing large-scale energy-intensive facilities. Stakeholders await clarity on how this setback might influence the company’s broader 2026 roadmap.