Production at OneFortyOne’s (OFO) Jubilee Sawmill at Mount Gambier is likely to resume on Wednesday following a $250,000 fire on Saturday. The fire, which started around 9:30pm, started in one of two transformers located in a neighbouring sub-station. Source: Timberbiz
At least four MFS and CFS crews worked to control the blaze.
They were not able to tackle the fire until SA Power Networks arrived on the scene to isolate the power.
An MFS spokesperson said fire was in the electrical transformer but was contained to the yard.
“On arrival crew found a transformer well alight in an electrical substation within the grounds of the timber mill,” the spokesperson said.
“Crews were required to hold back from fighting the fire until SA Power networks were able to isolate the power.
“Once isolated, four MFS trucks, supported by two CFS trucks, with a total of 27 firefighters extinguished the fire quickly within around five minutes.
“The transformer contained oil which had began to spill, the SES assisted with sandbagging and containing the spill, with the Environmental Protection Authority also on scene.”
With the fire contained to the transformer the remainder of the mill was protected from damage
“No employees were injured during the event and we have had no damage to assets or products,” Paul Hartung, General Manager of the Jubilee Sawmill said.
“Clean-up will occur this afternoon and work will be completed to connect power back to various areas. The team on site as well as the MFS and CFS did an exceptional and efficient job in attending the fire.”
The sawmill’s day shift will run today, and the log yard will be open during daylight hours.
