Date: March 24, 2019
Location: Post Falls, Idaho (USA)
Address: 401 North Potlatch Road, 83854
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Wood Dust
Industry: Particleboard Manufacturing (Wood and Wood Products)
Equipment: Unknown
Company: Plummer Forest Products
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Over $1 million
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company website, Plummer Forest Products was created in 1998, after a fire destroyed Rayonier Incorporated’s Plummer, Idaho sawmill. The company uses the
Incident Description:
On March 26, 2019, the Coeur d’Alene-
Kootenai County Fire and Rescue responded to the call at 4:52 a.m. When crews arrived, the fire in the primary milling building was spreading to adjoining structures and rooms. A department representative later stated that the damage was excessive due to the size of the fire and access issues. They had to cut holes in sidewalls and there were roof failures.
“When the fire spreads behind walls, it’s difficult to identify and physically chase,” he explained.
There have been multiple instances of fires at the company over the years. Most times, employees dealt with the incidents themselves, but this fire was huge and the fire department was relieved that the company had a quality sprinkler system.
The fire was under control at 7:00 a.m. but crews remained on site until 3:00 p.m. to ensure that the flames were completely extinguished.
The fire, which was caused by mechanical equipment failure, created over $1 million worth of damage and is expected to close down the plant for three months. The KCFR Division Chief said that the fire was “quite a hit” to the business. He described it as “really tragic.”
There were no injuries to employees or firefighters.
Previous Incidents:
Press coverage of this incident states that the Post Falls mill has been the site of other fires, but no news reports could be located.
Sources:
Coeur d’Alene- Post Falls Press
