Date: February 6, 2018
Location: Port Alberni, British Columbia (Canada)
Address: 2500 1st Ave, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 8H7
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Sawdust
Industry: Sawmill (Wood Products)
Equipment: Sawdust Bin
Company: Alberni Pacific Division (APD) Mill
Previous Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company website, the Alberni Pacific Division (APD) Mill was built in 1980 and is operated by Western Forest Products Company. It manufactures industrial timbers, railway ties, structural materials, and other wood products intended for use in traditional Japanese home construction.
Description of Sawdust Fire:
On February 6, 2018, the Alberni Valley News reported a fire at a sawmill in Port Alberni, British Columbia. According to the local fire chief, it started in a sawdust bin near the conveyors that carry wood chips from the hog fuel.
By the time the fire crews arrived, smoke was visible throughout the South Port. The fire chief admitted that access was initially difficult, but the blaze was quickly contained and a small crew remained on the scene until 11:00 p.m. to mop up hot spots.
No injuries were reported and the sawmill opened the next day for the morning shift.
Previous Incidents:
The sawmill has been the site of one earlier fire. On March 3, 2015, the Times-Colonist reported a large fire that required the building to be evacuated. When fire crews arrived at around 4:30 p.m., they found workers standing around, watching smoke issue from the mill. The fire department ordered B.C. Hydro to cut power to the building as the smoking structure was hosed down.
No injuries were reported but the mill remained closed for two days. According to trade newspaper Working Forest, the source was believed to be the head rig, which is the saw that makes the initial cuts in a log. It is not clear what role combustible sawdust played in the previous incident.
