A massive column of smoke visible near Interstate 75 in Ocala on Monday afternoon was the result of a complex wood chipper fire at a local sawmill that drew a multi-agency response.
Ocala Fire Rescue and Marion County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to the Fuqua Sawmill, located at 1751 NW 33rd Avenue, shortly after 12:00 p.m. on Monday following reports of a fire involving heavy machinery.
Upon arrival, crews found a large wood chipper engulfed in flames, producing thick smoke that could be seen by motorists near exit 354 of I-75.
Firefighters were able to contain the primary blaze, but the scene remained active for several hours due to the specialized nature of the equipment and the surrounding environment.
Responders faced several complications, including the presence of the machine’s fuel supply and large quantities of dry, combustible wood chips surrounding the area…