The investigation into the April 5 mill fire in McBride, a village located approximately 200 km east of Prince George, has concluded.
According to the the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (RDFFG), the cause of the fire was an overheated electrical motor.
“We further understand that the RCMP has concluded its investigation and determined there is no criminal activity related to the fire,” said the RDFFG in a statement.
WorkSafeBC spokesperson Scott McCloy said WorkSafeBC is yet to determine if further investigation will be necessary.
“We have been informed by the Office of the Fire Commissioner that its final report on the incident has yet to be released,” he explained. “WorkSafeBC will receive a copy once it’s finalized and at that time we will review the findings and determine if further action is required.”
The B.C. Safety Authority (BCSA), an independent regulator mandated to oversee the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment in B.C., is also waiting for the final report.
“BCSA will receive a copy of the final report and findings from the fire investigators, and at that time will determine if further action is required,” said Quinn Newcomb, a BCSA spokesperson.
According to McCloy, the McBride mill had been inspected regularly by WorkSafeBC officers. The last time the mill was inspected was September 2016.
BKB Cedar Manufacturing was the main employer in town, providing employment to 35 people. The mill was completely destroyed in the fire. A blaze broke out at about 5:15 a.m. on April 5 and crews continued fire suppression efforts for several days. There were no workers on shift at the time of the fire and there were no injuries.
Rajpal Basran, president of BKB Cedar Manufacturing, said it’s too early to know if the mill will be rebuilt in the future.