NEW VINEYARD — A sawmill damaged by fire Monday is expected to be back in operation in the next day or two, company owners Doug, Jody and Gerald Fletcher said in a news release Tuesday.

The Maine Wood Turning Inc. sawmill, a division of Maine Wood Concepts, had a fire in the west end of the mill on Lake Road on Monday. The fire was reported to have started in the chip room, New Vineyard Fire Chief Doug Churchill said Monday.

“The good news of the day, for us at least, is that power has been restored at the facility and we expect to be fully operational at that site in the next day or two,” the Fletchers said in a statement Tuesday. “All sawmill employees are expected to remain working without interruption in employment.”

Nine fire departments from Franklin and Somerset counties were able to put out the fire. All fire and most of the smoke and water damage was contained to the western end of the building, the release said.

“Although there is significant damage in that area to walls, ceilings, floors, etc., there is no evident structural damage to the building,” they said. “Fortunately no major equipment was located where the fire was centered.”

The company has an ample supply of turning squares, dowel boards and molding stock on hand so that no interruption is anticipated at its main plant, which is about three-quarters of a mile away on Route 27.

“Insurance adjusters and fire inspectors are expected in here today and we are hopeful they’ll be able to positively identify what caused the fire,” the release said.

The sawmill, built in 1996, supplies 100 percent of the wood stock the company needs for various operations at its main facility.

“The fire occurred at approximately 1 p.m. and carried on well into the evening hours,” they said. All 15 employees at the mill were able to get out and no injuries were reported.

The company thanked the firefighters from the nine departments that responded as well as personnel from NorthStar EMS.

“Special thanks also to E.L. Vining for use of their equipment, as well as to our own dedicated employees, some of whom remained on site throughout the night,” they said. “Because of the combined efforts of all, the building and equipment were saved and the damage limited.”

dperry@sunjournal.com