TRINITY — With the help of numerous area departments, the Trinity Volunteer Fire Department battled a huge blaze on Thursday at the Atchley Lumber Mill that broke out Thursday afternoon.
When responders arrived, they reported a wood drying kiln heavily involved with fire. Due to the size of the kiln, TVFD Chief Keith Johnson said he called for mutual aid to set up tanker operations.
Trinity units on the scene included two engines, two tankers, a rescue truck and a ladder truck. Fire departments from Dodge, Riverside, Crabbs Prairie, Onalaska, Lovelady, Weldon and Scenic Loop all provided tankers; Groveton provided an engine, and 356 VFD provided a rescue truck and a tanker.
A post from Brandy McCann from 356 VFD praised the cooperation of the area departments, saying it was neighbors showing up for neighbors when it matters most.
Johnson said the building and the lumber were a total loss but offered thanks to all the neighboring departments that provided mutual aid.
He also said that a cause was not determined due to the extensive fire damage.
•Trinity Fire Dept responded to a brush fire on FM 356 at Old River Road Wednesday afternoon. Three trucks and 12 firefighters arrived quickly and extinguished the fire before it could spread. A falling tree hit power lines and caused the grass to burn.
•On March 30, Trinity Firefighters were dispatched to a small grass fire Monday afternoon on Highway 19 north at Barnes Switch. The fire was quickly extinguished.
•On Saturday, Trinity Fire Department responded to Low Keels Road for a vehicle fire.
