RCMP have issued a news release on the fire at the Tolko Mill south of Armstrong. Sgt Dave Evans says police received a call to at 3:20 to assist in the fire. The large chip pile, commonly referred to as the Hog Pile, located just North of the mill building ignited. Tolko Mill responded to the fire but with the high winds the fire quickly grew in size and began to spread to the log yard North of the mill and hog pile. Numerous area fire departments, including Armstrong Spall, Vernon, Enderby, and BX Swan Lake were called to respond along with Forest Services. The fire is being fought by ground crews and air support from helicopters and fixed wing water bombers putting both water and fire retardant on the area.
Current Status:
The fire continues to burn in the hog pile and log yard. There has been no structural damage to the Tolko Mill at this point. The cause of the fire has not been formally investigated at this point and as such a cause for the fire can not be released. Visibility is greatly reduced in the area because of heavy smoke. An Emergency Operations Center involving all agencies involved has been established to respond to the incident that is expected to continue into the late evening and perhaps beyond.
Evacuations:
The RCMP and Search and Rescue have evacuated the Valley Auction facility to the North of the location and four area mobile home parks (Twin Furs, Belvas, Meadow Ridge, and Pallisades). An Emergency Social Services Reception Center has been established at Centenial Hall on Pleasant Valley Road in Armstrong. Over 100 persons have checked in so far and is expected to continue into the evening.
Road Closure:
Highway 97A between Smith Drive in Armstrong and intersection with Highway 97 at the Swan Lake junction to Kamloops is closed in both directions with alternate routes established and directions available at check points. Time frames of road closures are not known at this time. Ministry of Transportation will update web site with information as it becomes available.
Tolko Industries is in the process of preparing a media release and will advise of same and contact persons in the near future.
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107.5 Kiss FM Sunday, 11 July 2010 20:15 News Release from Tolko
Crews fight fire at Tolko Sawmill at Armstrong
[VERNON, BC] July 11, 2010-Crews continue to fight a fire at Tolko's sawmill site near Armstrong, BC. The fire began in a hogpile, which is sawdust and bark, at approximately 2 pm. Winds pushed the flames into the logyard and outside assistance was called in. A number of log piles have been lost and others continue to burn. There have been no injuries and no structures appear to be damaged. Winds are currently low and blowing north, away from the mill. "We appreciate the quick response by both our employee fire fighting crew and a number of area jurisdictions," said Rob Fraser, General Manager, Okanagan Operations. Several fire departments, including Armstrong Spallumcheen, Vernon, Enderby, and BX Swan Lake responded along with Forest Services. Ground crews and air support from helicopters and fixed wing water bombers are putting both water and fire retardant on the area.RCMP have evacuated the Valley Auction site to the north and four nearby trailer parks. Highway closure remains in affect. Smoke remains heavy and response crews anticipate to be fighting the fire several more hours. Sawmill crews have been informed that operation is suspended. Mobile equipment on site and from near by divisions will be utilized in the fire fighting effort as needed.
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