Date: September 13, 2023
Location: Cheboygan, Michigan (USA)
Address: 502 South Main Street, 49721
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Paper Dust
Industry: Tissue Production (Pulp & Paper)
Equipment: Unknown
Company: Tissue Depot
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
Tissue Depot, formerly known as Great Lakes Tissue Company, does not appear to have a website. It is a tissue products company in Cheboygan, Michigan.
Incident Description:
On September 14, 2023, the AP Press reported a tissue products company in Cheboygan, Michigan.
The fire originated on September 13 in a part of the mill where no employees were present. By afternoon, fire crews had contained it to a storage building at the mill. Despite the flames, no mill employees or firefighters were injured, according to the Cheboygan Fire Chief.
Following the fire, Cheboygan residents living within a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) radius of the Tissue Depot were instructed to shelter in place. This directive remained effective until 1:30 p.m. on September 14. By then, air testing conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency indicated that air quality had returned to safe levels. Consequently, residents were permitted to leave their homes.
The Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department stated that the EPA observed a reduction in airborne particulates to safe levels overnight. Nonetheless, roads in proximity to the fire were still closed, and the public was advised to steer clear of the area. The sheriff’s update cautioned residents in fire-affected areas that they might discover dust or other debris in their surroundings. They were advised against activities that might reintroduce dust into the air, such as mowing their lawns, until the EPA provides conclusive test results. For those venturing outside, it was recommended to wipe their feet and their pets’ feet upon reentering their homes.
The cause of the fire remained undetermined. However, fire investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with Michigan’s fire marshal, were on-site to discern the cause and origin. The building and business owners were actively cooperating with the investigation.
Sources:
AP Press
