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Wildfire forces Tolko to suspend Athabasca OSB division operations

Tolko’s Athabasca OSB division in Slave Lake, Alta., temporarily suspended operations yesterday as the province issued an eight-hour evacuation alert for the town.

“All employees, other than those who have been identified as essential to asset protection, have been evacuated and sent home. With the Town on an eight-hour evacuation notice, we want people to be prepared in case a mandatory evacuation order is issued,” says vice-president, Strand-based Business, Jim Baskerville. “The safety of our employees and their families is our priority.”

Essential employees will now initiate fire suppression activities to protect the mill and will co-ordinate efforts with the town, the municipal district, and the province as the situation develops.

Baskerville went on to say that Tolko will be communicating with employees through their direct supervisors and via its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TolkoIndustries). He encouraged all employees to follow the Town of Slave Lake Facebook page (www.facebook.com/townslavelake) for the latest information.