Date: July 13, 2018
Location: Lissarda, County Cork (Ireland)
Address: Dooniskey, P14P027
Type: Dust Explosion
Fuel: Wood Dust
Industry: Timber Processing (Wood Products)
Equipment: Sawmill
Company: GP Wood
Previous Incidents: None Reported
Loss: Two Firemen Injured
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company website, GP Wood is one of Ireland’s largest and most diversified timber processing operations. It was formed in April 2013 following the merger of two timber processing companies; the Grainger Group, based in Enniskeane, County Cork and the Palfab Group of Lissarda, also based in County Cork.
The group employs approximately 150 staff with a further 250 indirect employees in their forestry operations. Its core business is timber manufacturing focused on the construction, fencing, garden leisure and packaging markets.
Description of Wood Dust Fire:
On July 13, 2018, the Irish Examiner reported a fire at a sawmill in Lissarda, County Cork, Ireland. Fire crews arrived soon after 4:30 a.m; while they were attempting to get it under control an explosion occurred, causing two firemen to suffer ‘shockwave’ injuries. They were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment while their teammates eventually extinguished the blaze. County fire service units remained at the scene for hours afterwards, dampening the debris to ensure the fire would not reignite.
According to another news agency, the Evening Echo, the operation’s finance director said the company was waiting until the blaze was fully extinguished before sending a team onto the site to evaluate the damage. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
Sources:
Irish Examiner
Evening Echo
