The Freeport Fire Department was called to a commercial structure fire just after 8pm Sunday night at Buskirk Lumber, 319 Oak Street in Freeport after a passerby noticed flames and heavy smoke coming through the roof.

 

Portions of Buskirk Lumber were back operational Monday morning.  According to Travis Kamps, Manager at the facility they are still purchasing timber, actively logging and trucking logs. The sawmill portion could take a month or more to be back at full capacity.

 

The cause of the fire is unkown at this time, electrical is suspected. Further investigation will be taking place over the next week.

  

Freeport firefighters were assisted with automatic mutual aid from Hastings Fire Department, Woodland Fire Department, Clarksville Fire Department and Thornapple Township Emergency Services Ambulance.  Barry County Central Dispatch, Consumers Energy and Freeport DPW provided additional support.

 

“We are very thankful for all of the assistance that was provided,” States Chief Jim Yarger.  Approximately 15,000 gallons of water were used to suppress the fire.

 

No injuries were incurred.

 

Buskirk has been in business for over 100 years and produces over 10-million board feet of lumber annually.