Fire destroys part of Hartselle industry

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
A Hartselle industry that employs eight people is struggling to get its feet back on the ground after fire destroyed a manufacturing and office building and their contents early Saturday morning.
Hartselle Plywood and Lumber, located at 1298 Railroad Street SE, across from Hartselle Junior High School, was operating out of a mobile office on Tuesday while seeking sources for equipment needed to get a laminating process back on line. Fortunately, an adjoining building that housed the company’s plywood operation was saved.
Grimes said the destroyed building and its contents were insured and he is working with adjusters to settle a claim.
Hartselle firefighters reported the manufacturing plant was fully involved in flames when they arrived at approximately 12:40 a.m. Thirteen firefighters worked the fire, using two engine companies, the ladder truck and rescue truck. A backhoe and operator from Public Works also assisted. They were on the scene for about eight hours.
The fire was reported by a passerby and its cause was not immediately determined. It continues under investigation, according to a fire department spokesman.