Fire causes major damage at Resolute sawmill in Ignace


IGNACE, Ontario (From news reports) -- Fire has caused significant damage at the Resolute Forest Products sawmill at Ignace, but operations are expected to continue with some adjustments required.

The blaze broke out Sunday morning, May 15, in a kiln, then spread to a second kiln.

Ignace Mayor Penny Lucas says both kilns were destroyed.

Lucas described that as a "huge" loss but said she's grateful the company plans to keep operating the mill and will retain the existing workforce.

Resolute spokesperson Louis Bouchard confirmed that the company intends to send lumber from Ignace to its mill in Atikokan to be dried.

The Ignace mill employs about 42 people directly.

Bouchard said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Paperitalo newsletters: Cost zero, value immeasurable. Sign up today.