Northland Thanks Community for Support
Dedicated efforts of firefighting teams help to save the mill
Fort McMurray – Northland Forest Products would like to extend its sincere appreciation to Alberta Agriculture and Forestry firefighting teams and to the company’s staff for their efforts to save Northland’s Fort McMurray sawmill.
Following the evacuation of Fort McMurray and the sawmill on May 3, a small group of ten employees remained on site. Northland started the installation of sprinkler systems and water cannons to protect buildings from the potential threat of wildfire. Provincial help soon arrived and fire guards were developed on the west side of the mill between the mill site and Highway 63, and at the south end of the mill yard.
Three times the fire came close to the mill, on three sides. On May 18, the fire took a surprising run, and crossed Highway 63, just south of the mill. It came within 300 metres of the mill office. Thanks to quick action by staff, contractors and provincial teams, including a cat crew and helicopter units, the fire was extinguished. During these difficult times, no damage has occurred to the mill or inventories (logs and lumber).
The province has now built fire guards on the north end of site and is assisting in expanding the sprinkler system to the log decks.
“We’re extremely grateful to the firefighting teams and our own staff for their heroic work,” said Northland President Howard Ewashko. “We look forward to helping our community rebuild and being a stable employer for Fort McMurray.”
Over the past several days, Northland has received numerous calls and several site visits from media. Northland’s staff must now dedicate their efforts to restarting the sawmill. Moreover, visiting the mill site at this time is not permitted for safety reasons. Northland asks that all media inquiries be directed to the Alberta Forest Products Association.
Questions and Answers
When will the mill restart?
Presently, Northland has scheduled the mill to restart on Monday May 30th, at a reduced production rate.
How has this affected the mill?
The company has lost 6 million board feet of production due to this unexpected shut down.
What affect has the fire had on the wood supply for the mill?
Northland is a quota holder on the AlPac Forest Management Agreement (FMA) area. When it is safe to do so, the companies will be assessing the damage to the timber supply, and working with Agriculture & Forestry develop a timber salvage plan.