Arauco MDF Plant in Arkansas Hit by Dust Explosion and Fire

A dust explosion at Arauco’s Malvern, Arkansas, facility on Willamette Road sparked a fire Saturday afternoon, drawing about 30 firefighters, the Malvern Daily Record reported (6-29-26). The plant manufactures MDF panels, moulding, and millwork.

Glen Rose Fire District Interim Chief Wes Copeland said firefighters were dispatched on June 27 after an explosion was reported at the plant. Crews arrived to find heavy fire burning in the baghouse silos outside the building and began attacking the blaze.

As additional personnel arrived, firefighters entered the facility and found fire in the plant’s sander machine. Interior crews also discovered flames in the duct system connecting the sander to the silos, where the fire had spread through the dust collection system.

Firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze inside the plant and in the silos. Drones dispatched by the Hot Spring County Department of Emergency Management were used to help locate lingering hot spots with thermal imaging. Crews remained on scene for about 3.5–4 hours, Copeland said.

Firefighters confirmed the building had been evacuated and all employees were accounted for. No civilian injuries were reported, and two firefighters were treated at the scene for mild heat exhaustion.