2/21/20
White County Firefighters battle Thursday morning blaze – Photo-Colton Hannula
(Cleveland)- The fire Wednesday night at Southern Legacy Wood Products north of Cleveland may have put a damper on the new startup business but owner Jadie Hatcher says he’s ready to “ back up and punt, go again, learn from it and come out stronger in the end”.
The business which is located on Helen Highway at the site of the former Mt. Yonah Lumber Company, produces Kiln Dried Firewood. Speaking on Local News Radio Friday morning Hatcher said he had turned the kiln, used in the process, off remotely Wednesday evening that’s when something went wrong. “ The kiln burner, the flame was off yet it was feeding fuel, Natural Gas, inside the chamber with Natural Gas. When the kiln vent opened up it also added oxygen to that mixture, so oxygen and fuel plus the heat of the wood caused the explosion,” said Hatcher.
Several people reported hearing large explosions prior to the fire.
White County Fire, Cleveland Fire Department along with the fire brigade from Lee Arrendale State Prison in Alto battled the blaze for several hours Wednesday night and early Thursday.
Hatcher said he’s glad that no one was hurt in the incident and praised local officials for what they did. “ It was amazing to sit back and watch, I was actually watching them ( firemen and police) more than I was the fire. I can’t thank them enough and the support from the community makes me proud to be a White Countian. I’ve always been proud, but I couldn’t be prouder than I am today,” commented Hatcher.
According to Hatcher, some kiln and fire experts were going to visit the site Friday to look at the kiln and provide their input on exactly what happened.
The complete interview with Jadie Hatcher:
GOD bless your business! I am looking forward to hearing that your business is up and running soon.