West Fraser Alberta Mills Shut by Forest Fires

West Fraser Alberta Mills Shut by Forest Fires West Fraser Timber Co., Vancouver, B.C., Canada, reports that forest fires have caused substantial damage to Slave Lake, Alberta, and the surrounding area. The company has two operations in the area--Slave Lake Pulp and Slave Lake Veneer—that 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, according to West Fraser, which adds that its 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 pulp and newsprint, lumber, wood chips, LVL, MDF, and plywood. The company has operations in western Canada and the southern U.S.

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