Following a detonation, fire was detected in the wood pellet cooler of a sawmill at about 7 p.m. The flames spread to the inlet circuit and the cyclone. The staff intervened, followed by the fire brigade. The fire was extinguished, resulting in less than 30 m³ of extinguishing water collected in the 5,700 m³ basin located in the industrial zone. However, the basin’s shut-off valve was not actuated by the operator. Due to the small volume of water in relation to the basin’s capacity, it is likely that the extinguishing waters had settled before being discharged into the natural environment.

Particles of wood which had been heated by friction in the presses were probably the cause of the hot spot which led to the fire. The massive influx of air, combined with the suspended dust, caused the explosion and fire.

The damaged cooler, unlike the others on site, was not equipped with a fire detection and extinguishing system. The operator has since decided to install such a system. Explosion-proof vents were also installed on the cyclone at the end of the line. The plan to improve fire-fighting resources (including the purchase of equipment and the installation of fire hydrants), which had begun in late 2013, is being continued. The facility operator trained 30 onsite firefighters in the use of the new equipment. A procedure for closing the containment tank discharge valve was also drawn up.

In addition, the operator updated site drawings and set up a bi-annual groundwater quality monitoring plan.