Courtesy: Zavisha Sawmills Ltd.
On Saturday, April 19th, Zavisha Sawmills experienced a devastating fire which consumed the sawmill on our property. Hines Creek Fire Department responded immediately to our site and began battling the blaze within minutes of being reported. Additional departments were dispatched from Worsley and Fairview to assist in the battle but despite everyone’s efforts they were not able to extinguish the blaze. Crews were able to contain the fire to the sawmill structure, preventing spread to log and lumber inventories and spreading off the property. SRD provided air support to help with containment as the winds were strong and blowing from the west towards town.
Our deepest thanks and appreciation to the community for their support in this tragedy. Countless volunteers were on scene and went over and above to lend a helping hand. From pickup trucks hauling water, volunteer fire department members pulling hose, local residents making lunch, and countless additional acts of kindness. From the bottoms of our hearts, we truly appreciate your support.
As with any situation of this magnitude, the question of the path forward needs to be asked.
We are a four generation sawmill that has known nothing but the smell of freshly cut logs and the hum of saws for the last 82 years. Our blood, sweat and tears have poured into this business for countless hours and we quite literally know nothing else. In the past we have been challenged with hurdles and have always persevered. We see this situation like no other we have faced in the past and we will bounce back, we will rebuild. This community and the families that have committed to Zavisha Sawmills are very important to us and we plan on being here for them, no matter the situation.
