Burns Lake, B.C. – In a joint news release issued this hour   by the Burns Lake Native Development Corporation, the Village of Burns Lake and the Regional District of Bulkley – Nechako, it has been confirmed there are still two people unaccounted for in the wake of last night’s explosion and fire at the Babine Forest Products sawmill.

 

The release confirms there were approximately 25 employees on shift in the sawmill at the time of the explosion around 8:00 last night.

 

Northern Health has confirmed  19 people were hurt, and sent to health centres throughout the region, with at least four being transferred to larger centres.

 

Northern Health is prepared to provide debriefing support to the community.

 

Emergency crews will be conducting a search of the periphery of the fire, but will not enter the remains of the structure at this point. The fire continues to smoulder, although it does not pose a threat to other buildings on the site at this time.

 

Burns Lake Mayor Luke Strimbold has offered support to the families impacted by this tragedy “Our hearts go out to the families of those employees injured and to the families of the individuals still missing and they are our first priority”. Mayor Strimbold also offered thanks to   all the emergency  workers  who assisted at the height of the crisis.

 

Burns Lake Band Chief and Burns Lake Native Development Corporation President Albert Gerow says his primary concern “is the welfare of our people. This incident is having a huge impact on our community and the Burns Lake Hospital staff have done an incredible job responding with their limited resources.”

 

Also offering words of support to families of the injured and missing was the Regional District Chair, Bill Miller  “We know that this community spirit and strength will carry us forward as we recover from this tragedy.”

 

There will be a meeting involving the Village Council, Regional District, Burns Lake Native Development Corporation,   Hampton Affiliates (owners of the mill) and other groups to see how to best move forward in supporting the community.

 

The Margaret Patrick Memorial Hall remains the  gathering centre for families and concerned residents. The hall will be open 24 hours, and grief counsellors will be on site.