The state Fire Marshal's Office has reported that the Tuesday (9/14/10) fire at the Dudley Lumber Company sawmill building in Lee County has been determined to have been accidental.
At least six fire departments fought the massive blaze which started about 5:30 Central Tuesday afternoon on Highway 280 in Salem. A cooperative investigation by the Alabama State Fire Marshal's Office, the Lee County Sherriff's Office and the ATF "determined the fire to have started in a high voltage electrical control panel," according to Assistant State Fire Marshal Scott Pilgreen.
Pilgreen adds that firefighters helped to confine the fire to the sqwmill building and keep the fire from spreading to other nearby buildings and wood products at the Dudley Facility. Fortunately, no workers were present in the sawmill at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.
Fire Departments fro Salem, Auburn, Opelika, Beuregard, Beulah, and Friendship responded to the call.