Date: June 19, 2018
Location: South Royalton, VT (USA)
Address: 324 Waterman Road, 05068
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Sawdust
Industry: Sawmill (Wood Products)
Equipment: Bandsaw
Company: DCI Corporation
Previous Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company website, DCI Corporation is a manufacturer specializing in furniture for college and military dormitories. It was founded in 1975 and grew into a major corporation with over 200 employees, a headquarters in New Hampshire, a factory in North Carolina and an assembly facility in California. Timber processed by the Vermont sawmill is all locally sourced.
Description of Sawmill Dust Fire:
On June 19, 2018 NBC5 reported a structural fire at a sawmill in South Royalton, Vermont. Employees fought the blaze with a garden hose and fire extinguishers until firefighters arrived.
The building manager told Valley News that he believed the source to be a band saw head. He said that fires have been known to start when the saw blade strikes hardware in a log or when a hot motor sets sawdust aflame.
Fire crews were able to contain the flames quickly, thanks to access to an underground water tank at a neighbouring plastics company. No injuries were reported but the sawmill could be closed for several months while repairs are completed.
A similar fire damaged the same building in 1999.
Sources:
NBC5
Valley News
