Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 16 May 2011 -- Forest fires have caused substantial damage to Slave Lake, Alberta, and the surrounding area. West Fraser has two operations in the area – Slave Lake Pulp and Slave Lake Veneer – which have so far escaped damage. Both facilities have suspended operations and are being manned by emergency crews only. Although neither facility is currently threatened, the situation remains extremely hazardous. West Fraser is currently seeking to assist the Red Cross and provincial authorities in relief efforts and is establishing communications alternatives for its employees, most of whom have been evacuated from the immediate area.

West Fraser is an integrated wood products company producing lumber, wood chips, LVL, MDF, plywood, pulp, and newsprint. The company has operations in western Canada and the southern United States.