ASHLAND (AP) – Fire officials say they’ll probably never know what caused a fire that destroyed a pellet mill in Ashland, putting a dozen people out of work.

No injuries were reported in the fire that began shortly after midnight Tuesday at Northeast Pellets.

Fire Chief Ned LaBelle told WLBZ that the fire started in the room where pellets are made, but the damage made it doubtful that the exact cause will ever be determined.

He said it took 45 firefighters about 10 hours to douse the flames and extinguish all hot spots.

Officials said the mill is insured and the owner plans to rebuild.