In the morning hours of Friday, July 5th, First Responders from Jackson and Winn Parish were dispatched to Jeld-Win in Dodson after a fire was reported at the facility. According to a report provided by Winn Parish Fire District 3, firefighters had cleared the scene by that afternoon with Jeld-Wen personnel monitoring the scene overnight.

The Winn Parish Fire Department described the situation, saying in part, “[Firefighters] also made their way to the roof with headlines to attempt to extinguish the fire via access points. Due to conditions and ambient temperatures, IC contacted dispatch and requested advanced ambulance to standby.”

Responding to the incident was Winnfield Fire Department, Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Parish Ambulance service who stepped in with assistance due to  Winn Ambulance Service being tied up with another incident.

Initial Report Filed by Winn Parish Fire District 3

This morning at 0823 hrs, WPFD was dispatched to Jeld-Wen in reference to fire in the area of the press. Upon arrival, FF found heavy smoke conditions inside the structure and was advised that the fire was in the duct work above the press. FF donned PPE and made entry and began extinguishing efforts with the help of Jeld-Wen personnel. FFs also made their way to the roof with handlines to attempt to extinguish the fire via access points. Due to conditions and ambient temperatures, IC contacted dispatch and requested advanced ambulance to standby.

IC also contacted Assistant Chief Martin and requested mutual aid from the city of Winnfield fire dept., specifically spare SCBA bottles as well as personnel from WFD. As the incident progressed and the majority of drinking water was consumed, IC made contact with Chief Deputy Gilliam and requested assistance with bringing drinking water that was stored at Central Station. Personnel from WPFD are still on scene at this time assisting and monitoring the area involved.

Thank you to all responding personnel. Special thanks to Winnfield Fire Dept., WPSO and advanced ambulance for your assistance today. Also, special thanks to Jackson Parish Ambulance service for stepping in and assisting while advanced was tied up with on another incident.

Following Report

Update: At 1733 hours all remaining WPFD personnel cleared the scene. Jeld-Wen staff remained on scene to monitor throughout the night.