UPDATE: A significant fire broke out at the Irving Forest Products sawmill in Dixfield, Maine, causing extensive damage to the facility late Saturday. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, but the impact on operations is expected to be substantial.
The Dixfield Fire Company confirmed that the fire was primarily contained to the northwest side of the sawmill building. In an official statement, they noted, “The damage is extensive but contained,” and added that mill personnel are already assessing the damage and planning for repairs.
Firefighters from multiple towns, including Rumford, Peru, Mexico, East Dixfield, Jay, Wilton, Canton, Roxbury, and Carthage, responded quickly to combat the blaze, demonstrating a coordinated emergency response effort.
Irving Forest Products has owned the Dixfield sawmill since 1998 and has invested more than $40 million into its operations, underscoring the facility’s importance to the local economy and timber industry.
The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
As authorities continue to evaluate the situation, local residents and stakeholders are urged to stay tuned for updates on the mill’s operational status and recovery efforts.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities that industries like timber face, and the community’s resilience will be tested in the aftermath of this fire.
Stay informed as we bring you more details on this developing story.
