At approximately 3:30 p.m. Saturday, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service Dunes and Clairmont Stations responded to a reported Structure Fire at the International Paper wood room building.

Upon arrival, the regional fire service assisted International Paper Fire Brigade personnel with an equipment fire within the wood room, a fire at the top of a chip pile, and several outdoor spot fires in the area of the wood room building and chip pad. Additional support was also dispatched from the Grovedale, Wembley and Sexsmith Fire Departments. The fire was quickly brought under control and damage was limited to equipment in the wood room and an area of a chip pile.

It is believed the fire originated in the wood room equipment and spread through the chip blower system to the chip pile. With high winds today, embers blown off the chip pile also ignited several small spot fires in the area.

“An immediate call for additional resources and prompt action by the International Paper Fire Brigade prevented further damage to the wood room, spread in the chip pile area and further extension resulting from spot fires. The regional fire service has an excellent working relationship with International Paper and regularly visits the site for familiarization and training. By doing these pre-planning events, our service and regional partners are prepared to respond to any type of emergency at the International Paper Pulp Mill” said Regional Fire Service Deputy Chief Jason Nesbitt.

No persons were injured as a result of the fire.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the County Fire Marshall.