BUCKHANNON – Several fire departments responded to a blaze at the Weyerhaeuser wood production facility in Buckhannon on Monday, Sept. 25, but teams on site contained the fire quickly after it started.
Firefighter Shane Jenkins said the Buckhannon Fire Department responded to 41 TJM Drive at 6:34 p.m. Monday.
“They have their own fire brigades because of the nature of what they do, so they started suppression efforts immediately, and then they have their suppression system,” Jenkins said. “Those guys did a really good job containing it, keeping it where it was, and then we came in a few minutes after we were dispatched. We continued their suppression efforts and ramped it up a little bit because they only have certain things they can do, but I would say the fire was out quickly after we arrived.”
The cause of has not been determined and Jenkins said they are waiting for Weyerhaeuser to determine the origin of the fire.
“We assisted in ventilation efforts once we got there,” Jenkins said. “They have their own built-in systems for that too, so I do know there was some smoke damage and fire damage to an extent, but I don’t know enough about the plant to tell you what was damaged.”
Buckhannon mayor Robbie Skinner said on social media that no one was injured in the fire, but the damage will take some time to repair.
“This is a very large facility, and one of Upshur County’s largest employers,” Skinner said. “Although it doesn’t look like it, the fire did cause some significant damage that will take several weeks to a few months to repair. The Upshur County Development Authority, city and county leadership will be here for plant management in the days ahead should they need support or assistance.”
Upshur County EMS, Warren District Volunteer Fire Department, Washington District Volunteer Fire Department, the Weston Fire Department and the Elkins Fire Department responded to the scene and Banks District Volunteer Fire Department covered Buckhannon’s station while they were on the scene.
“We don’t get called to Weyerhaeuser for something small because they have their own fire brigades, so we knew when we got the page it was serious,” Jenkins said.
