It's the one year anniversary of the mill explosion that killed two men and put the economic future of Burns Lake at risk. Burns Lake Mayor Luke Strimbold says a service Sunday is to remember Robert Luggi Jr. and Carl Charlie, and be there for those who were injured in the blast. "We as a community are coming together to provide support to one … [Read more...]
Company whose sawmill exploded last year promises upgrades for collecting wood dust
January 15, 2013 by
The company whose sawmill in Burns Lake exploded last January, says they're still analyzing recommendations released by the BC Safety Authority Tuesday. Many of the recommendations were focused on dealing with wood dust. Babine Forest Products say the scope of hazards surrounding the residue was not fully understood before the explosion that killed … [Read more...]
Burns Lake sawmill to be rebuilt
December 4, 2012 by
The community of Burns Lake will see the return of its biggest employer: a sawmill, destroyed by an explosion back in January. Sawmill operator Hampton Affiliates says it has made its final decision and will rebuild the Babine Forest Products mill. It says foundation work has already begun at the site to re-create the facility at two-thirds in size … [Read more...]
Worksafe BC forwards sawmill report to Crown Counsel
November 29, 2012 by
A significant development today in the investigation into two fatal sawmill explosions in the interior earlier this year. Worksafe BC says it has finished its probes and is now referring both cases to crown counsel. The agency says the crown has the ability to charge individuals under the Worksafe BC act, which can lead to fines and even jail … [Read more...]
Independent MLA says it is not a done deal to rebuild Burns Lake sawmill
September 18, 2012 by
The independant MLA for Cariboo North is warning people living in Burns Lake not to celebrate just yet. Bob Simpson says it is not a done deal yet to rebuild the town's sawmill noting big challenges. "So this is being mischaracterized there is no commitment to rebuild the Burns Lake mill the decision will be made by Hampton in … [Read more...]
Sawmill worker safety and best practices will be targeted after deadly blast.
April 25, 2012 by
Labour Minister Margaret MacDiarmid says a new working group on worker safety in sawmills will be formed with the forest industry and labour groups in the coming days. This the result of a meeting held today to discuss mill safety in the wake of the devastating explosions in Burns Lake and Prince George. She said "and there will be a … [Read more...]
Premier offers support to Prince George after deadly sawmill blast
April 25, 2012 by
Premier Christy Clark is offering prayers and support to the Prince George residents as they recover from the devastating explosion and fire at the Lakeland sawmill that left one dead last night. Clark paid tribute to the city in the legislature Tuesday. "I also want to commend the countless first responders, the volunteers, the health care … [Read more...]
Victim of sawmill blast identified
April 24, 2012 by
The BC Coroners' Service has identified the man killed in last night's sawmill explosion in Prince George. 43-year old Alan Little was a shift supervisor at the Lakeland mill. 10 of his colleagues remain in hospital in serious, but stable condition. Meantime, Worksafe BC has issued an immediate order for safety inspections of all sawmills in … [Read more...]
Burns Lake sawmill back in employer hands after fire
April 18, 2012 by
Worksafe BC is turning the site of the Babine sawmill fire in Burns Lake back over to the employer tomorrow. This marks the end of the first phase of its investigation into the explosion and fire that killed two men on january 26th. The focus now will be on testing and analyzing the evidence gathered over the … [Read more...]
Men missing after Burns Lake sawmill blast identified
January 22, 2012 by
The two men still missing after an explosion at a sawmill in Burns Lake has been identified. Carl Charlie and Robert Luggi are still unaccounted for. Meanwhile, a machine operator at the mill is speaking out, claiming the disaster could have been prevented. "I honestly don't believe that sawmill should have been running that week,” … [Read more...]
