Wood Pellet Mills Are Prone to Catching Fire. Why Build Them in California?

The article highlights the inherent fire risks associated with wood pellet mills, which produce highly flammable compressed wood products used for heating and grilling. Since 2010, at least 52 fires have occurred at such facilities across the US, with many of the largest mills experiencing fires or explosions. The biomass company Drax, a major player in the industry, has a history of fire-related incidents at its facilities in the UK and Louisiana. Despite these safety concerns and ongoing lawsuits, Drax is moving forward with plans to build two new pellet mills in California, through its partner Golden State Natural Resources (GSNR), claiming that their operations will help mitigate wildfire risks by utilizing dead or dying trees from nearby forests. The proposed mills in Tuolumne and Lassen counties, both forested and wildfire-prone areas, have sparked opposition from local residents and experts who question the safety and environmental impact of manufacturing wood pellets in these regions. Concerns include inadequate communication with nearby communities, potential overharvesting of biomass by