Authorities respond to late night commercial fire

White County Fire Services responded to a commercial fire on Wednesday, Feb. 19.

Around 11:15 p.m., White County firefighters responded to the call about a commercial fire at Legacy Woods Products, formerly Mount Yonah Lumber, at 1605 Helen Highway, according to White County Public Safety Director David Murphy. Automatic aid response also came from the Cleveland Fire Department and Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade.

“On scene, firefighters found a fully involved fire of a 40x40x20-foot high metal building that was filled to the roof with firewood being processed (the company processes firewood to be sold by kiln drying it),” Murphy said.

It was determined that the kiln, which was full of firewood, was the origin of the fire. Because it was full, it caused explosions that resulted in the metal roof and other parts of the building to “blow off,” Murphy said. He added that there were approximately 36 cords of wood in the kiln. 

Firefighters were at the scene for about eight hours, and it is believed a mechanical failure is the cause of the fire, Murphy said. There were no injuries reported. White County CERT REHAB also responded to the scene to support fire personnel.