LEBANON, Ore. -- Fire investigators began to sift through the ashes on Tuesday that were left behind from a large fire.

The fire destroyed part of a former plywood mill near Santiam Highway and Market Street Monday.

Several fire departments around the area helped the Lebanon Fire crews battle the massive blaze.

The fire destroyed one building and damaged another one.

Neighbors said they could see flames shooting into the air as well as thick smoke.

"The embers were flying all over. The wind was going to the north and the embers were flying and we saw some of the embers land over at the school, which is about a mile away so it was pretty massive," witness Troy Underwood said.

Students at a nearby elementary school evacuated to another school because of the smoke and embers.

Fire investigators said that due to the major damage it could be a while before the cause of the fire is known.

Investigators Search For Cause Of Lebanon Fire