Fire devastates Turley Logging & Timberland

TYLER – On Aug. 20, a devastating fire erupted and swept through Turley Logging & Timberland business leaving behind a trail of destruction and charred debris.

The fire ignited just after midnight, rapidly spreading across the property as it fed on the flammable materials scattered throughout the site. By the time Spokane County Fire District 3 arrived, the blaze had already consumed a significant portion of the equipment and infrastructure.

The fire's origin appears to be linked to the 5th wheel trailer on the premises, according to Tom Turley, owner of Turley Logging & Timberland.

Turley, who lives on the property, was asleep when the flames began their destructive path. The trailer, which served as a small office, was engulfed in flames almost immediately. As the fire spread, it quickly reached other parts of the property, including heavy logging equipment and several large trailers that were critical to Turley Logging & Timberland's operations.

Firefighters worked tirelessly through the night to contain the blaze, but their efforts were hampered by the intensity of the fire and the amount of fuel it had to feed on. By dawn, much of the valuable equipment was reduced to smoldering wreckage. The loss is staggering for the business, Turley explained, which had relied on this equipment for its day-to-day operations and for fulfilling contracts.

Despite the extensive damage, there was a silver lining: no injuries were reported. Turley and any other individuals on the property at the time managed to escape unharmed, thanks to their prompt actions and the efforts of the local fire department.

In the wake of this disaster, Turley, who had no insurance coverage, is facing a daunting financial recovery. According to Turley, he was having a hard time finding a company to insure his business due to high risk nature of accidents and injuries, making insurers wary.

To aid in rebuilding and to help offset the considerable loss, a GoFundMe page has been set up.

The funds raised will go directly toward replacing the destroyed equipment and trailers and getting Turley Logging & Timberland back on its feet. The community has rallied around the cause, offering both emotional support and financial contributions to help this local business recover from the calamity, however, he hasn't reached his goal to replace what he has lost, according to Turley.

Last month, Turley was fighting another fire outside of Tyler in saving neighbors property and homes according to his online post.

The fire at Turley Logging & Timberland is a stark reminder of how quickly disaster can strike and the importance of community support in times of crisis.