Burns Lake Community Meeting Tonight
Monday, January 23, 2012 @ 4:00 AM
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Burns Lake, B.C. – There will be a community meeting this evening in Burns Lake to discuss the tragedy which has struck that community.Mayor Luke Strimbold says the meeting will take place at 7:00 tonight at the Island Gospel Church on Highway 35.
19 people were hurt, several of them seriously, and two others remain missing following an explosion and fire Friday night that levelled the sawmill at the Babine Forest Products sawmill.The two missing and feared deceased are Robert Luggi of Burns Lake and Carl Charlie.
WorkSafe BC has at least 6 investigators in Burns Lake but at this point, the RCMP’s investigators are taking the lead in trying to pin point what happened.
The search for the two missing workers will not begin until what’s left of the structure has been deemed structurally sound and there is no threat of it collapsing on investigators.
The sawmill is a crucial link in the economic chain for Burns Lake. Employing about 250 people directly, it also provided spin off jobs for many in the community of 3614 people. Senior executives with Hampton Affiliates, owners of the mill, are in Burns Lake. While a detailed estimate of the damage is not yet complete, it is expected to be in the $100 million dollar range.
Premier Christy Clark visited the community yesterday, offering thanks to the first responders who did everything they could to save lives. She also offered the promise of the Province’s support fo the Community although the specifics of that support have yet to be detailed.
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.
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