Officials are still investigating what caused a midday fire that destroyed the Timber Products Ampine Division particleboard mill near Martell, California, July 25.
All workers who were in the building at the time of the fire made it out safely, but the plant was heavily damaged days before it was to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The Amador County Sheriff’s Office said it appears the plant is a “total loss.”
The 135,000-square-foot timber facility employed 145 people.
According to the company, the Ampine plant made high-quality particle boards used for kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
