McBride mill destroyed by fire

A fire at BKB Cedar Manufacturing near McBride Wednesday has destroyed the cedar mill, which employed about 65 people.

The building is lost, and crews continue to work on extinguishing the fire in a nearby mulch pile. The fire is not posing a risk to neighbouring properties or forested areas, according to the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George.

The fire is contained, but still active with investigations ongoing. Crews are expected to be on hand throughout the weekend. The public is asked to avoid the area as this fire is still under investigation and the scene is not safe for public access. Only authorized people are allowed on scene for the safety of the fire fighters and the public, as well as the integrity of the investigation. The public’s cooperation in this matter is appreciated.

McBride and District Volunteer Fire Department are on scene with support and crews from many of the volunteer fire departments within the Regional District. On Friday, there were also crews from BC Wildfire Branch, along with the Beaverly, Red Rock, Ferndale. Salmon Valley, Pilot Mountain and Valemount fire departments.