UPDATE: A significant fire broke out at the Irving Forest Products sawmill in Dixfield, Maine, causing extensive damage to the facility on October 21, 2023. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
The Dixfield Fire Company confirmed that the blaze heavily impacted the northwest side of the sawmill building. Firefighters from multiple towns, including Rumford, Peru, Mexico, East Dixfield, Jay, Wilton, Canton, Roxbury, and Carthage, swiftly responded to contain the fire.
According to officials, the damage is severe but has been contained, allowing mill personnel to begin assessing the extent of the destruction. They are already formulating plans for repairs, indicating a commitment to restoring operations as quickly as possible.
“The damage is extensive but contained,” the Dixfield Fire Company stated. “Mill personnel are assessing damage and already planning repairs.”
Irving Forest Products, which acquired the Dixfield sawmill in 1998, has invested over $40 million into the facility, highlighting its importance to the local economy and job market.
As of now, the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, with updates expected as more information becomes available.
This incident raises concerns about the safety protocols in place at industrial facilities, particularly those central to community livelihoods. The local community is awaiting further details, and residents are encouraged to stay tuned for ongoing updates.
For now, the focus remains on recovery efforts and ensuring that such incidents do not threaten the safety of workers or the surrounding neighborhoods.
Stay with us for the latest developments on this urgent situation.
