McBride, B.C. – The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George continues to monitor the situation in McBride following Wednesday’s fire which destroyed the BKB Cedar Manufacturing mill, leaving 35 full-time employees without a job.

RDFFG Manager of External Relations Renee McCloskey says winds last night caused the fire to flare, but crews worked through the evening to keep it contained. Today crews will continue work on extinguishing the fire in a nearby mulch pile. Protection works have been applied to keep the fire from spreading to neighboring properties and crews continue to monitor closely. Additional heavy equipment arrived this morning to support suppression efforts and enhance crew safety.

The fire is contained, but still active with investigations ongoing. Crews are expected to be on hand throughout the weekend.

The public is asked to avoid the area as this fire is still under investigation and the scene is not safe for public access. Only authorized people are allowed on scene for the safety of the fire fighters and the public, as well as the integrity of the investigation.

McBride and District Volunteer Fire Department are being supported at the mill site by crews from the BC Wildfire Branch, along with the Beaverly, Red Rock, Salmon Valley, Pilot Mountain and Valemount Volunteer Fire Departments.

Efforts are underway by the Red Cross, McBride banks, Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond and Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer to assist the employees affected by the fire as well as the community of 600 people.