THUNDER BAY — A fire occurred inside the Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper Mill on Friday at approximately 10:40 a.m., prompting a response from Thunder Bay Fire Rescue and trained mill emergency responders.
According to the mill, the fire was in the hog fuel feed system.
"Trained mill emergency responders were on site within minutes, partnering with local fire and police to secure the area and support those who were working in the immediate vicinity," said a statement from Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper.
The Ministry of Labour is investigating a possible explosion that happened at the paper mill, although the mill has not confirmed if that is the case.
Fire crews arrived at the scene and evacuated people from the affected building.
Six pumper trucks, one aerial ladder, and a command unit responded to the compound, and the fire was extinguished quickly.
Four contractors sustained injuries from the incident.
"Our thoughts are with these individuals and their families, and TBPP wishes them a speedy recovery," the statement from the mill said.
"We thank the mill employees, firefighters, police and emergency medical personnel whose swift response and expertise helped us through this event. A full investigation is underway and we are working with the Ministry of Labour and relevant governmental authorities.
"TBPP remains fully operational at this time. We will issue further updates as required," the statement said.
An inspector from the ministry has been assigned to investigate the incident.
