Four Alarm Fire Destroys Claysburg Lumber Business

Fire companies from all over in Blair and Bedford counties were fighting a massive fire which started at 10:05 p.m. Monday night and continued to burn into Tuesday in Claysburg at the site of the U.S. Lumber Distribution Center.

At 8 a.m. there were still flames and big clouds of smoke coming from 218 Ward Drive, which is a lumberyard and distribution center.

Scott Eicher, Fire Chief for Claysburg Volunteer Fire Company said they do not know what started the four alarm fire, and it will be investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal.

About 19 fire companies were present to battle the blaze.

“The building is a total loss and all of the equipment such as trucks, fork lifts, and tractor trailers are a total loss as well,” he said.

Eicher said the wind and the fuel for the fire being all of the lumber on site made it difficult to contain the fire.

“It spread pretty fast because of the wind and the lumber,” he said.

Eicher said there were employees who were loading trucks when the fire started, but everyone was able to get out safely.

At about 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, he said the fire was about 50% contained, and it took emergency crews until about 6 a.m. until they had everything under control.

“There is still a large amount of fire and lumber still burning,” Eicher said.

He was told by representatives from the U.S. Lumber Distribution Center that there are plans to rebuild.

For the time being, the company will be working out of a smaller building across the street.

All of the freight, trucks and shipments are being diverted to other facilities owned by the company.

“I want to thank the community for their support during this time,” Eicher said.

He said Sheetz donated water, a catering truck showed up to provide food, and many other various businesses and individuals provided them with food and refreshments they needed.