OLIVER PAIPOONGE, Ont. – Authorities are still investigating the cause of an overnight blaze that inflicted heavy damage on a building at the former Buchanan Northern Hardwoods site off Vibert Road, but aren’t considering the fire suspicious.
Oliver Paipoonge Fire and Emergency Services crews responded late Friday night to the fire, which spread through much of a large industrial building on the site, sending thick clouds of smoke into nearby residential neighbourhoods.
No nearby homes had to be evacuated, reported Oliver Paipoonge Fire Chief Sean Horan, though residents reported being warned to shut their windows Friday night to keep out smoke.
Responders were still on scene into Saturday afternoon, by which time they had the fire controlled and contained, with some hot spots still smoking.
About a dozen vehicles, including pumpers, responded, with over 20 firefighters helping to knock down the blaze. That included assistance from the Neebing Township fire department.
Horan had spoken with the office of the Ontario Fire Marshall, but said the agency was not expected to investigate the incident further.
