Date: May 4, 2020
Location: Presque Isle, Maine (USA)
Address: 395 Missile Street, 04769
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Wood Dust
Industry: Hardwood Products Manufacturing (Wood and Wood Products)
Equipment: Wood Chipper
Company: Columbia Forest Products
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company’s website, Columbia Forest Products manufactures hardwood plywood and hardwood veneer products for use in cabinetry, furniture, architectural millwork and commercial fixtures. It was founded in 1957, is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, and has manufacturing locations in Wisconsin, Vermont, Maine, Oregon, and the provinces of Ontario and Quebec in Canada.
Incident Description:
On May 4, 2020, WAGM reported a dust fire at a hardwood product manufacturer in Presque Isle, Maine.
The plant manager stated that employees were doing some scheduled maintenance to remove a chipper so they could install a new one. While removing the unit, a spark got into the wall and ignited some dust, causing a lot of smoke.
The building was immediately evacuated. The fire department quickly arrived and got the incident under control within an hour.
No injuries were reported, and damage was confined to the wood chipper due to be replaced.
Sources:
WAGM
