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Crews Extinguish Fire at Weyerhaeuser Plant in Columbia Falls

There were no injuries and damage appears to be minimal, according to officials

By Dillon Tabish
Weyerhaeuser plant in Columbia Falls. Beacon File Photo

Fire crews extinguished a blaze that sparked Friday night at the Weyerhaeuser plywood plant in Columbia Falls.

Tom Ray, Montana resource team leader for Weyerhaeuser, said a fire started in a dust collection system at the plywood plant Friday evening. There were no injuries and damage appears to be minimal, Ray said. A cause has yet to be determined and the company will further assess the situation Saturday morning.

Fire crews from Columbia Falls responded to the blaze and successfully cleared the scene by late Friday, Ray said. Some crews are staying on through the night to monitor the former Plum Creek plant.

“We appreciate the excellent response from the Fire Department,” Ray said.

Ray said more information will be provided when it becomes available.

A fire at the medium-density fiberboard plant in Columbia Falls last summer halted a production line for nearly a week. In 2014, a fire and subsequent explosion at the MDF plant caused heavy damage and halted a production line for nearly a month. Neither fire caused injuries.