Flakes from sheet of pre-cure OSB self-combust, says fire chief, start fire at Ainsworth Lumber's OSB plant in 100 Mile House, British Columbia

Wendy Lisney

LOS ANGELES , August 24, 2011 (Forestweb) – Equipment at Ainsworth Lumber's OSB plant in 100 Mile House, British Columbia, was damaged when a fire broke out on Aug. 20 at around 5.40 p.m.

Darrell Blades, fire chief with 100 Mile House Fire-Rescue, said the blaze appeared to have started when flakes from a sheet of pre-cure OSB fell into a pit below the accumulator and self-combusted, the 100 Mile House Free Press reported on Aug. 24.

The fire activated the plant's sprinkler system and was under control when assistance arrived. Blades said crews put the fire out within half an hour and remained on the scene for about three hours. He said the fire was contained to the accumulator area, but damaged electrical wiring, hydraulic lines and conveyors.

A company spokesman said employees were still working, but could not say if production volumes would be affected.

The primary source of this article is the 100 Mile House Free Press, 100 Mile House, British Columbia, on Aug. 24, 2011.

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