NORTH CAROLINA (From news reports) -- On Saturday, March 1, fire crews responded to stubborn fire at West Fraser's Riegelwood, North Carolina, sawmill.

Acme Delco Riegelwood (ADR) Fire Rescue Chief Steve Camlin said firefighters were called to the sawmill at 1:45 PM. The first units to arrive reported multiple "large fires" in piles of scrap lumber, along with sawdust and chips.

Winds in excess of 20 miles per hour were fanning the flames as crews deployed on the ground and a tanker shuttle was put into operation. Forest Service helicopters were used when the flames spread into a nearby wooded area.

"The high winds drove the fire more toward the unburned scrap lumber," Camlin said. "The fire intensified and endangered several structures."

"West Frazier representatives have been on scene with ADR, incident command, and county officials working to suppress the fire and protect the property and inventory that are in danger," Camlin added.

Camlin said the cause of the fire has been determined, but has not been released, pending completion of the investigation.