LOWVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT: Local firefighters stop lumber mill fire from spreading to nearby barn

LEWIS COUNTY- Local firefighters managed to successfully keep a lumber mill fire from spreading to a nearby barn Thursday afternoon near Lowville, NY.

It was shortly before 5:00 p.m. when emergency dispatch revived a report of a large fire at a lumber mill on the Willow Grove road.

Lowville was the primary Fire Department on scene and according to their Chief, Joe Austin, there was a pile of stacked slab wood that had caught fire.

Apparently, there was a small rubbish pile burning nearby and the flames managed to spread to the lumber pile, the Lowville Fire Department determined.

Firefighters spent nearly two-hours working to get this fire under control. Mutual aid was provided thanks to Castorland and Martinsburg Fire Departments.

Things were reportedly tense at first, because there were flames that were getting too close to a nearby barn, so the first wave of responders focused on that until additional resources could arrive.

Once those flames were doused, firefighters managed to focus their efforts on extinguishing the lumber pile.

Search & Rescue evaluated the first wave of firefighters due to extreme heat and heavy workload. Fortunately, they were all released back to work the scene.

According to Chief Austin, the New York State DEC responded as the enforcement agency for alleged illegal burning.

"I would like to just say once again how grateful and proud I am to work along side all of you in this close knit community," Chief Austin said.

"It took all of our responders from 3 departments, a farmer with equipment, ems, law enforcement and the auxiliary for effective and efficient operations. Not all areas have such great cooperation between agencies. We are truly blessed in Lewis County and it is an honor to serve in this capacity. Thank you to all the responders who dropped everything and responded to this scene and worked hard to get the job done! Your dedication and sacrifice do not go unnoticed by the community we serve!"

Lowville fire auxiliary responded to the scene with refreshments for the responders.

Lowville Fire Department image.