Fire destroys building at McCormick Sawmill

Fire destroys building at McCormick Sawmill

#MasonCountyNews.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

SHERMAN TOWNSHIP — Eight fire departments responded to a commercial building fire at McCormick Sawmill, 4431 E. Fountain Road, Tuesday, July 2. The fire was reported just after midnight.

Carolyn Windemuller, who lives a short distance from the sawmill on Poplar Road, said her husband discovered the fire and she called 911. She said the building, the sawmill’s main sawing building, was completely engulfed in flames when she called Mason-Oceana 911.

Fountain Area Fire Department Chief Roger Berndt said when fire units arrived, there were several explosions. Two semi-trucks and trailers were next to the building. Firefighters were able to save one of the semi trucks. Other heavy equipment was also destroyed. Berndt said he did not know the origin of the fire.

Fire departments responding included Fountain Area Fire Department, Free Soil/Meade Fire Department, Custer Fire Department, Branch Fire Department, Scottville Fire Department, Grant Fire Department, Pere Marquette Township Fire Department, and Irons Fire Department from Lake County. Riverton Fire Department was placed on standby in Scottville to cover other incidences on the eastern portion of the county. Also responding to the scene were Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Life EMS, Fountain Area Fire Department Auxiliary and Consumers Energy.

McCormick Sawmills LLC has operated in the same location since it was founded in 1952 by Gerald McCormick. Gerald’s son, Jerry, along with his wife, Marcia, purchased the business in 1975 when Gerald retired. Their sons, J.W. and Jeremy eventually joined the business as executives as well.

The business was sold a few years ago to Kamps Pure Michigan Hardwoods.

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