PANOLAM INDUSTRIES EXPLOSION SATURDAY SPARKS TWO-STOREY FIRE AT WOOD PLANT DRYER IN HUNTSVILLE

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

HUNTSVILLE — An explosion at one of Muskoka’s largest factories at noon Saturday resulted in no injuries but significant damage to a two-storey exterior wood dryer.

On January 20, firefighters from the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at Panolam Industries Ltd. at 61 Domtar Road in Huntsville.

They found debris and damage that indicated that a large two-storey industrial dryer used for drying wood dust had suffered an explosion inside of it.

This dryer is on the outside of the plant.

The plant was unaffected.

Firefighters put out the fire with the help of Panolam’s industrial fire brigade.

No injuries occurred as a result of the explosion or fire, say fire officials.

The explosion is under investigation by the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department and the Office of the Fire Marshal. The cause has not been determined at this time.

Grant Murchison, Fire Prevention Officer with the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department, says Panolan’s fire protection systems contributed greatly to minimizing the impact of the fire.

An explosion at Panolam’s outdoor wood dryer Saturday at noon caused significant damage to the two-storey building.

EMAIL: news@muskokatoday.com

30 years of ‘Local Online Journalism’

Twitter: @muskokatoday, Facebook: mclairmont1

Leave comments at end of story

SUBSCRIBE for $25 by e-transferring to news@muskokatoday.com

Or go online to https://muskokatoday.com/subscriptions