Newfoundland's Largest Sawmill Suspends Operations Indefinitely After Fire
Sexton Lumber has halted operations at its Bloomfield sawmill following an October 29 fire. Timber harvesting and log purchasing remain suspended, with no restart date announced and hundreds of direct and indirect jobs potentially affected.
Key Points
- Operations suspended: An October 29 fire caused extensive smoke damage at Sexton Lumber's Bloomfield facility.
- Supply-chain disruption: Timber harvesting, log purchases and major mill operations remain on hold.
- Restart uncertain: Damage assessments continue, with no confirmed reopening date.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Sexton Lumber, Newfoundland and Labrador's largest sawmill operator, has suspended operations indefinitely following a fire at its Bloomfield facility on the night of October 29, 2026.
The blaze caused substantial smoke damage, forcing the company to halt sawmilling, timber harvesting and log purchasing while the extent of the damage is assessed, according to CBC News, citing the Newfoundland and Labrador Forestry Industry Association.
No date has been announced for restarting operations.
SCRAPMONSTER EDGE | FORESTRY INDUSTRY ANALYSIS
Shutdown Could Disrupt More Than Lumber Production
Sexton's importance extends beyond its sawmill output. The provincial government identifies the company as one of three major integrated sawmills responsible for nearly 95% of Newfoundland and Labrador's lumber manufacturing.
The interruption could also affect timber contractors, trucking companies, log suppliers and customers that depend on the mill's products. Provincial sawmills also supply wood-processing residues to the pulp and paper sector.
Industry takeaway: The immediate priorities are the damage assessment, continuity of timber supply arrangements and the restart timeline. The duration of the shutdown will determine the extent of the broader supply-chain disruption.
Fire Halts Sawmill and Log Purchasing Operations
The Bloomfield facility, owned by Kevin Sexton, has reported annual production capacity of approximately 65 million board feet, according to Lesprom.
The mill supports hundreds of direct and indirect jobs across forestry, transportation, processing and related activities.
Its operations also provide products to 26 farms across Newfoundland and Labrador, according to the industry association's account.
The association warned that the shutdown would affect a substantial network of businesses and workers across the province.
Previous Fires Add to Operational Challenges
Sexton Lumber has experienced earlier fire-related disruptions. In 2014, a blaze destroyed a holding building at the Bloomfield operation, although the principal sawmilling facilities were not damaged.
Another fire in nearby Lethbridge in September 2025 threatened the surrounding area.
The cause of the October 29, 2026 fire has not been established in the available reporting. The company has not announced a timeline for completing repairs or resuming production.
Suspension Comes Amid Plans to Expand Mill Capacity
The closure follows earlier discussions between Sexton Lumber and Newfoundland and Labrador's provincial government concerning a proposed long-term forest management agreement and Crown timber licence.
In June 2026, the province said Sexton Lumber intended to increase production at its Bloomfield mill from approximately 60 million to 100 million board feet annually.
The proposed agreement was intended to support long-term timber availability and investment in sawmill infrastructure.
It remains unclear how the fire and suspension will affect those expansion plans.
Also Read: Canada Proposes C$6.5 Billion to Modernize Its Forestry Industry.
Sources: Lesprom, November 10, 2026; Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, June 29, 2026.
Original reporting by CBC News, republished by Lesprom.