Prince George, B.C. – WorkSafe BC sent four officials to Burns Lake as fire raged through the Babine Forest Products site last night. Two of them have returned to Prince George while the other two remain in Burns Lake. However they don’t have access to the sawmill and planer mill operation as the charred remains continue to smolder.

Spokesperson Donna Freeman says she has no word on possible fatalities, missing or the number of workers injured in the explosion and fire. Freeman says the WorkSafe people have just started speaking with company officials to get an idea of what happened, adding the probe is going to take a long time.

Meantime the community is rallying to support one another. Margaret Patrick Memorial Hall has been designated as a gathering place for the families of those injured and other concerned people. The hall will be open around the clock, manned with grief counselors. Those wishing to donate food and supplies are being asked to take the items to the hall. Bertha Michell is one of the organizers heading up that drive. Call the Village Office at 250-692-7587 to obtain a contact number.