Minor damage reported in Lowville sawmill fire

LOWVILLE- No injuries were reported after a sawmill caught fire Friday morning near Lowville, NY.

Calls started coming in to 9-1-1 dispatchers shortly before 9:00 a.m. Witnesses were reporting visible flames at what appeared to be an Amish sawmill at 7107 Gordon Road.

The property is reportedly owned by the Byler’s. Lowville Fire Department was the primary responder.

Chief Austin says firefighters managed to execute a successful attack against the flames. Fortunately, the fire was contained to its area of origin.

Investigation revealed that the owner was cutting a piece of metal equipment apart with a torch. Chief Austin says the owner was near piles of sawdust, wood shavings and other pieces of wood while this was happening, all of which are combustible materials.

While dealing with a customer, the owner stepped away from where he was cutting up the metal. When he returned, there was a fire that had sparked.

Although Chief Austin said he does not highly recommend any civilian attempting this, but the flames were blunted after the owner smothered them with a piece of tin. This move helped keep the fire maintained in one place until crews arrived on scene, officials said.

Mutual aid was received by Martinsburg Fire Department.

Minor damage was reported to the structure and its contents.

Image courtesy via Lowville Fire Department.