Coldstream Lumber mop-op

by Ragnar Haagen CASTANET - Aug 12, 2014 / 4:50 pm

A coordinated effort between six fire departments and up to 40 firefighters assisted in dousing a blaze at Coldstream Lumber. "Coldstream is really appreciative of its neighbouring fire departments. They arrived today and provided some well needed support," says Coldstream fire chief, Shane Code acknowledging the help of crews from Lavington, Lumby, Vernon, BX and Armstrong fire halls. He says the fire is now in the overhaul phase as remaining crews are now pulling smoking rubble apart. "We basically have to stay and make sure it's cold and extinguished. There will be a fire watch for at least the next 16 hours." Code also acknowledged the assistance of Coldstream Lumber who assisted with forklifts and heavy equipment. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, Code says damage is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. He says a company official estimated they lost about 10 per cent of $1M plus in product at the mill on top of two buildings and two kilns. Despite the product and property loss, Code says no one was hurt. "It's mid August, we have an interface all around us with grass lands...we've got all this product in the yard. We have two adjacent structures, limited access, a train coming down the track someone had to manually stop. Natural gas feed and electrical wires overhead. I'm happy. No one was hurt. It's a good day." (more)