BELL TOWNSHIP: A fast-moving, late-night fire destroyed a local, privately-owned sawmill Thursday, drawing a large response from fire companies across the region and sending one firefighter to the hospital.

The call came in at 9:52 PM as a Box 30-B working sawmill fire along Grove Lane, just outside Punxsutawney near the intersection of Wooddale Road and Albion Road. Crews arrived to find heavy fire conditions and immediately went to work.

Elk Run Fire Department responded with its ladder, tanker, squad, and ranger, sending 16 firefighters to the scene. The department’s ladder truck arrived first, and the aerial was placed into operation within minutes to begin attacking the fire from above.

Firefighters deployed six 1 ¾-inch handlines and one 2 ½-inch line as suppression efforts ramped up. Engine 21 laid approximately 900 feet of supply line, while Tanker 30 established a steady water supply to support the extended operation.

Due to the amount of material stored inside the structure, overhaul operations lasted for several hours, even after the main body of fire was brought under control. Crews worked carefully through the night to ensure all hot spots were extinguished.

Mutual aid responded from numerous neighboring departments, including Elk Run, Central, Lindsey, Oliver Township, Reynoldsville, Sykesville, Pine Creek, Perry Township, Knox Township, McCalmont Township, Big Run, and additional companies identified as Departments 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 16, 17, 20, and 40.

During the incident, an Elk Run lieutenant was transported by ambulance to the hospital as a precaution. He has since been released and is recovering at home.

Fire officials said the sawmill was a total loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Fire crews also expressed thanks to Punxsutawney Sheetz for delivering hot chocolate and coffee to firefighters working the cold, extended overnight scene.

No further injuries were reported.

Photographs included are from the official Facebook page of the Elk Run Volunteer Fire Company.

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