Prince George, B.C. – The Fire Chief for  Burns Lake  is reporting that two people remain missing following last night’s blaze at the Babine Forest Products mill east of Burns Lake.

 

Media Relations Officer with North District RCMP in Prince George says a massive explosion rocked the sawmill and planer mill at about 8:15 last night. Constable Lesley Smith says an initial fireball of unknown origin was followed by more explosions. She says there were 30 workers on shift at the time but officials have not been able to accurately say how many are missing. She also could not confirm any deaths.  

 

At least 19 people were transported by ambulance to hospitals throughout the north-central region. Six ambulances carrying victims arrived at University Hospital of Northern BC  just after 6 this morning.   Northern Health  had declared a Code orange, placing all services and physicians on active status to prepare for the arrival of the injured.  Physicians from Prince George through to Smithers were  prepared to attend to the injured.

 

In all, Northern Health has treated 19 patients with injuries that range from minor to critical and includes some with severe burns.

 

Four patients have been airlifted from Prince George,  two were sent to Edmonton,  2 others sent to Vancouver General Hospital in Vancouver.

 

Eight patients have  be taken to the University Hospital in Prince George and one of them will be transferred to Vancouver, but that patient’s condition is stable.

 

Two patients remain in Bulkley Valley Hospital in Smithers,  one remains in St. John Hospital in Vanderhoof.   The remaining patients have been discharged and sent home. 

 

Constable Smith says the fire continues to burn at the mill, with the Burns Lake fire department on scene trying to extinguish the blaze.  As well, WorkSafe BC plus emergency crews including ambulance attendants and RCMP from Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, Houston and Vanderhoof remain at the site as the investigation into how this all started continues. 

 

There are reports that workers smelled a strong gas odor before the initial explosion. There are also reports that 2 of the mill workers are missing however Const Smith could not confirm that. The mill employs a total of 250 people.