Fire can be seen shooting into the night in this photo taken just after midnight on March 12. (Cassidy Dankochik Photo - Quesnel Cariboo Observer)

UPDATE: Quesnel firefighters respond to blaze at closed Tolko Industries site

Fire crews received a call just before midnight on March 11

  • Mar. 12, 2021 12:00 a.m.

UPDATE: 1:30 p.m.

A fire in the industrial area of Quesnel which started late Thursday night, March 12 is not considered suspicious, say police.

Quesnel RCMP Sgt. Richard Weseen confirmed the fire was at the Tolko Industries site.

Fire Chief Ron Richert said members of the Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department were on the scene for five hours in four trucks.

“It was a large fire but the building is still standing with extensive damage,” he said.

Chris Downey, communications advisor for Tolko Industries, confirmed Friday that Tolko still owns the site, and that demolition of the building has been underway in recent weeks.

“Tolko handed the project off to the primary contractor last month,” Downey said, noting the fire is being investigated by the primary and sub contractors as well as the fire department.

He added the fire was contained to one building.

Tolko Industries announced the closure of its Quesnel site in May, 2019.

UPDATE: 12:50 a.m.

The fire in north Quesnel appears to be under control.

Flames are no longer visible from the viewing platform looking over the industrial area in Quesnel.

There was no fire at the West Fraser mill.

More to come

ORIGINAL STORY BELOW:

Firefighters are attempting to extinguish a fire at or near the West Fraser facilities in Quesnel.

Flames could be seen shooting into the night sky just after midnight on March 12.

Police and fire trucks were seen driving to the scene.

VIDEO: West Quesnel home completely destroyed by fire

Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: cassidy.dankochik@quesnelobserver.com


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