Urgent Fire Destroys Part of Dixfield Sawmill, No Injuries Reported

A significant fire broke out at the Irving Forest Products sawmill in Dixfield, Maine, causing extensive damage to a portion of the facility on Saturday. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

According to the Dixfield Fire Company, the blaze primarily affected the northwest side of the sawmill building. Firefighters from several neighboring towns, including Rumford, Peru, Mexico, East Dixfield, Jay, Wilton, Canton, Roxbury, and Carthage, responded promptly to battle the flames, demonstrating a strong community effort in the face of this emergency.

The fire company issued a statement confirming, “The damage is extensive but contained to the northwest side of the sawmill building.” Mill personnel are already assessing the situation and planning for repairs.

Irving Forest Products has operated the Dixfield sawmill since 1998 and has invested over $40 million into its operations, underscoring the mill’s importance to the local economy.

The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire, with updates expected as the situation develops. This incident raises concerns about the safety protocols in place at significant industrial sites and their ability to respond to emergencies.

As the community rallies to support the recovery efforts, local residents are left wondering about the future of the sawmill and its critical role in the region. Stay tuned for more updates as firefighters continue their work and officials provide further information on the investigation.