The East Fraser Fibre mill in Quesnel was on fire Saturday, June 21, closing a stretch of Highway 97 at the intersection with Quesnel-Hixon Road.
Firefighters from multiple departments including Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department (QVFD), Ten Mile Volunteer Fire Department and Barlow Creek Volunteer Fire Department responded to the blaze.
"On arrival we had heavy smoke and flames exiting the roof of the building," said QVFD chief Ron Richert. "Crews were on scene for almost 12 hours, until seven o'clock in the morning."
Crews were also called back to the East Fraser Fibre building to manage hot spots, where small fires in some areas of the building or grass outside flared up. Richert said the building is now clear of fibre but it is still under investigation.
"Because of the magnitude of the fire we couldn't get inside," he explained. But with five pieces of large firefighting apparatus, including a ladder truck used to spray water from above, the fire departments managed to extinguish the blaze.
Richert also asked that people to give crews and their vehicles space to work during major incidents.
During the fire, a vehicle went through the closed area of road and ran over a firefighting hose. Richert said that hose now has to be taken out of service for assessment.
"If you see fire department hose lines over top of the road, please do not drive over them. For the safety of the person and our firefighters." Richert said.
Carl Anderson works as a supervisor at the mill where trim blocks are cut and sent to Williams Lake to get finger jointed.
"My son just phoned me and told me 'I think the mill is on fire'," said Anderson.
Anderson has been working at East Fraser Fibre in Quesnel for over four years and his son for ten years.
"I guess I probably have to start looking for a job," Anderson said, adding it was sad to see the building this way.
