Date: April 30, 2018
Location: Butler, Tennessee (United States)
Address: 147 George Shoun Ln, Butler, TN 37640
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Wood Shavings
Industry: Wood Processing (Sawmill)
Equipment: Welding machines
Company: Shoun Lumber
Previous Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: $ millions
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
Shoun Lumber is a family-owned business. The company started its operations in 1908 and is one of the oldest established businesses in Johnson County. The firm started from a rough sawmill operation and at present provides specialty millwork. It produces doors and cabinets, as well as molding, trim, and flooring. The company also mills several of its own log home patterns. Shoun Lumber caters to flooring, furniture and pallet industries. It also produces beddings for the horse and cattle industry and sells unused wood leftovers to paper mills.
Sawmill Fire Description:
On April 30, 2018, shortly after 1 pm, firefighting services were called to Shoun Lumber on George Shoun Lane in Butler, News Channel 11 reported. When the crews arrived at the scene, the sawmill was already fully involved. Heavy smoke coming out the lumber yard was seen in nearby Johnson City.
Nine teams from Johnson County and eight crews from Carter County were fighting for two hours to extinguish the blaze. Firemen were wetting down mulch at the yard to prevent fire spreading.
According to Volunteer Fire Department Chief, welders were working in Mill #2 facility when sparks caught wood shavings on fire. All personnel managed to evacuate on time and no one was injured.
The full scale of damages is unknown, but the business owners estimate losses in millions of dollars. This was reported as the third fire incident in the 30-years’ history of Shoun Lumber although no other information can be found about the previous incidents.
Sources:
News Channel 11
WCYB
