Date: August 31, 2018
Location: Athens, Maine (USA)
Address: 164 Harmony Road, 04912
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Wood Dust
Industry: Wood Pellets (Wood Products)
Equipment: Dust Collector
Company: Maine Woods Pellet Company
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company website, Maine Woods Pellet Company was established in 2006 in Athens, Maine. It produces up to 100,000 tons of wood pellets per year for both the bulk and bagged fuel markets at its production facility, which is located on a 55-acre site. All raw materials come from woodlands owned and managed by partners in addition to sawdust and woodchips from a trusted network of sawmills.
Incident Description:
On August 31, 2018, Powder & Bulk Solids reported an early morning fire at a wood pellet processing facility in Athens, Maine. The Athens Fire Chief told local news agencies that a spark in the dust control system caused a fire to ignite in the dust collection bags.
Fire crews were able to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to the facility’s baghouse. According to the Bangor Daily News, the fire required the factory to shut down operations for a few hours, but one of the owners stated that “no real damage” was done and that the plant would be up and running soon.
No injuries were reported and the value of any property damage is unknown.
OSHA Inspections:
An establishment search revealed seven OSHA inspections for Maine Woods Pellet Company. A 2012 incident was flagged for combustible dust but no further details were available.
Sources:
Powder & Bulk Solids
Bangor Daily News
