Fire Destroys Key Equipment at Menominee Tribe's Lumber Business

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A fire in the early morning of March 3 destroyed a key stacker building and associated equipment at the Menominee Tribal Enterprises (MTE) lumber yard and mill. No injuries were reported, but the 10,000 square-foot building and 20,000 feet of lumber were lost. MTE production will be closed until workers can assess the damage and determine steps for recovery of business operations.

Why it matters

The Menominee Nation's forestry operation is renowned globally for its sustainable management practices. The tribe's 235,000-acre forest is a source of pride and a model for responsible timber harvesting. This fire represents a major setback that could impact the tribe's lumber production and supply chain.

The details

The fire occurred just before workers were set to arrive at 5:30 a.m. Fire departments from Keshena and Neopit on the reservation were able to douse the blaze before it spread further. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The destroyed stacker building housed an industrial machine that automatically arranges finished boards into neat stacks for drying, storage or transport. Nearly all of MTE's 'stickers' - thin strips of wood placed between layers of sawed wood to create air space for drying - were also turned to ash.

• The fire occurred in the early morning of March 3, 2026.
• MTE production will be closed until workers can assess the damage and determine recovery steps.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Construction of a new stacker will start this spring with a finish by late summer or early fall. Lumber drying could possibly be outsourced until then.