Fire breaks out at Hyne Timber Maryborough

The cause of a fire that broke out in the sawmill of one of the nation’s biggest timber producers is being investigated as new details are revealed. PHOTOS, VIDEO.

A fire which broke out at a major Queensland timber mill on Tuesday ignited in the sawdust extraction system, it’s been confirmed.

What caused the ignition at Hyne Timber’s sawmill near Maryborough however is still under investigation.

A spokesman from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said on Wednesday measures had been taken initially by workers to contain the fire, which started about 3.30pm Tuesday in the extraction system, until emergency crews arrived.

The spokesman said those efforts meant the fire had been contained to the extraction system and there had been no structural damage to any of the buildings at the mill.

“Only the dust extraction system was damaged,” he said.

Six appliances had been required to attend the scene, the spokesman said.

Crews had to cut multiple holes to get to the fire that was burning within the system, he said.

“Access to the fire was the greatest problem,” he said.

Workers had been evacuated from the area and procedures had been followed so no one was hurt, the spokesman said, adding it took about four to five hours to bring the fire under control.

Hyne Group chief executive Jim Bindon said he could confirm there was an isolated, contained fire in one section of the Tuan Mill near Maryborough.

“One team member was assessed by Queensland Ambulance Service at the Mill for potential smoke inhalation.

“Our own team decided to take him to hospital for further observation, but he has since been discharged,” he said.

“The ignition correctly triggered our fire suppression system with fire sprinklers activated in the area, successfully containing the fire.

“The Maryborough Fire Service eliminated all potential further risk and we thank them and all the emergency services personnel who attended the site, for their swift response and support.

Shed fire at Hyne timber mill in Turan Forest,

“By 9pm last night, we commenced restoration work.

“Shifts were able to commence as usual this morning with no disruption to timber supply for our customers.

“The cause of the fire remains subject to investigation.”

On Tuesday, a spokeswoman from Hyne Timber confirmed there had been an isolated, contained fire in one section of the Tuan Mill near Maryborough.

“One team member has been assessed by Queensland Ambulance Service at the Mill for potential smoke inhalation,” she said.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation. There is no anticipated disruption to customer supply of timber.

“Hyne Timber would like to thank all the Emergency Services personnel for their prompt response and support.”

The staff member did not need to be transported to hospital.

An emergency is unfolding at one of the biggest timber producers in Australia after fire broke out on the forest property near Maryborough. Picture: Google Maps