Manufacturing, Paper Mill / Saw Mill

North Okanagan, BC, Canada – Sprinkler system activated for fire at sawmill

Quick-thinking employees and a fire suppression system saved the day at a North Okanagan sawmill Saturday.

The Lumby Fire Department were called to a fire at the Tolko WhiteValley mill at 7:30 p.m.

Fire Chief Tony Clayton said two night watchmen were already dousing the flames with water and the sprinkler system had been activated, saving the day.

“They did a really good job,” said Clayton, adding once fire crews got there they were able to knock down the flames quickly. “They kept it to the area of origin before we got there.”

Clayton said there was potential for the fire to spread and it could have been a lot worse.

The fire has been determined accidental and some mill equipment sustained damage.