A fire at Tembec's high yield pulp mill in Chetwynd, B.C., on June 30 caused no injuries, but the mill is expected to be out of service for 14 to 18 days.
The damage is primarily concentrated in the log storage and chip pile area. There was also some damage to the scales, chip receiving and unloading equipment, chip conveyors, and related electrical services. Assessments by mill personnel and outside resources have indicated that damage to the pulp production area of the mill is relatively minor. In terms of direct loss, it is estimated that roughly 40,000 cubic metres of fibre (chips and logs) were destroyed. While the chip and log piles continue to smolder, the situation is considered well under control.
Tembec reported on July 5 that site personnel and outside resources are already beginning their work at the mill to address electrical and mechanical repairs, with procurement and delivery of necessary materials and equipment already underway. The company estimates are that the mill will be out of service for about 14 and 18 days from the date of the fire, resulting in lost production of approximately 10,000 tonnes.
The company indicated that there will be no disruption of supply to contract business, given the fact that it has two other high yield pulp mills from which to supply the needs of its customers.
The fire started on Wednesday, June 30, in the late afternoon. In addition to the Chetwynd Volunteer Fire Brigade and employees, fire fighting support from the Fort St. John and Dawson Creek fire departments was received, as well as from the BC Ministry of Forests. Tembec expressed its gratitude for the timely and diligent response of these organizations.