Fire, explosion destroys Legacy Wood Products

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — On Wednesday evening at approximately 11:15  p.m.White County firefighters with automatic aid from the City of Cleveland and Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade (L.A.C.I.), responded to a commercial fire at Legacy Wood Products, formerly known as Mount Yonah Lumber, located at 1605 Helen Highway.

On scene, firefighters found a fully involved fire of a 40 x 40 x 20 foot high metal building that was filled to the roof with firewood being processed (the company processes firewood to be sold by kiln drying it).  The origin of the fire was determined to be the kiln itself that was full of firewood which caused explosions resulting in the metal roof and other portions of the building to “blow off”.  There was approximately 36 cords of wood in the kiln.

Firefighters were on scene for about eight hours.  No injuries were reported, and the fire is believed to be a mechanical failure.  White County CERT REHAB responded to assist fire personnel.