Fire at Tolko in Armstrong, B.C.

At least 100 homes were evacuated yesterday when a pile of sawdust caught on fire at the Armstrong Tolko Industries plant in British Columbia.

The fire started in hog fuel and spread north into the log yard.

The British Columbia Forest Service brought in 11 firefighters, two helicopters, and fixed wing air tankers. The RCMP and firefighters from surrounding detachments, including Vernon, Swan Lake, and Enderby, also battled the blaze. They were successful at containing the fire to the mill site, but high winds were making the fire a threat to the surrounding area.

An emergency centre was set up at Spallumcheen municipal hall for the people evacuated from the area.

No lightning was seen in the area, and the fire is thought to have been caused by human activity.

Because the fire was burning in the hog fuel and sawdust piles, it is expected to burn for at least another week. While there had been no structural damage at Tolko, Evans said at least one building at a business called Valley Auctions sustained minor damage.

The workers at the mill have been on a temporary layoff since July 5th due to high inventories levels.

Sources:

Bombers battle massive blaze (The Province)

Fire at Tolko mill started in hog fuel (The Vancouver Sun)

Winds Fan Tolko Fire (AM 1150)

Fire at Tolko plant near Armstrong (Vernon Morning Star)

Sawmill fire forces evacuations at B.C. trailer parks (CTV)