Fire engulfs vacant lumber mill in Marysville

MARYSVILLE — A major fire engulfed the former Welco Lumber mill at First Street and Beach Avenue in Marysville tonight.

Neighbors reported hearing a loud explosion at the mill about 8:15 p.m., but that might have been the building’s roof collapsing during the fire, said Marysville Assistant Fire Chief Martin McFalls.

The blaze was mostly extinguished within a half-hour, McFalls said. A large column of smoke was visible some distance from the mill, which is adjacent to I-5.

While no injuries were reported, McFalls said the city has had problems with transients and squatters breaking into the vacant building in the past. Small fires have been reported there previously.

Marysville Mayor Dennis Kendall said the lumber mill ceased operations at the mill about two years ago and had auctioned off its equipment.

Fire departments from Marysville, Tulalip Bay, Everett, Getchell and Lake Stevens responded, but all but Marysville and Tulalip Bay were soon released from the scene, McFalls said.