'Major explosion' at West Fraser plant in Quesnel, B.C. leads to fire
Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson says no one was injured
A "major explosion" caused a significant fire at the West Fraser medium density fibreboard plant in Quesnel, B.C. on Wednesday evening.
Mayor Bob Simpson said the explosion occurred at about 5:30 p.m.
Luckily none of the eight to 10 people on shift at the time were injured.
"Without question it was a major explosion and fire," said Simpson. "Every employee was evacuated and there were no injuries."
Simpson said crews were still putting out hot spots at 8 p.m., but the fire was under control.
Fire crews told Simpson the explosion broke out in the baghouse which is designed to mitigate the risk of such emergencies.
A baghouse is a type of filter used to control air pollutant emissions.
The plant is in an industrial area on the outskirts of the town.
Simpson said the plant should be fully operational within a week. He estimated it employs around 150 people.