Corrected Jan. 24: 19 people injured

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, will be leading the Province's efforts to help the community of Burns Lake recover economically from the devastating fire that destroyed the Babine Forest Products mill.

As an initial step, Bell will be in Burns Lake on Friday with Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad to meet with local community leaders and organizations.

The Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation will work closely with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources and other ministries on short- and long-term economic development planning.

A rapid response team from the Province has been formed to work on economic recovery efforts, and the ministry will announce shortly who will lead it. The team will work with the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, the Village of Burns Lake, the Burns Lake Native Development Corp. and others to provide economic development and community transition expertise as part of the local response effort.

On Friday, Jan. 20, an explosion and fire at Babine Forest Products levelled the mill, killing two Burns Lake residents and injuring 19 others. The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General is co-ordinating emergency services for the community. WorkSafeBC is at the site - providing critical incident support for those affected - and investigating the incident.

Babine Forest Products is a joint venture between the Burns Lake Native Development Corp. and Oregon-based Hampton Lumber Mills. The mill employed about 250 people, making it the community's largest employer.

Contact:

Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-9869