Steps are being taken to get support in place for the workers forced out of their jobs by a fire at a major employer in McBride, the village's mayor says.
The blaze, which erupted Wednesday morning, destroyed BKB Cedar Manufacturing Ltd., which reportedly employs more than 35 people in the community east of Prince George. In an email sent Wednesday night, Mayor Loranne Martin said the fire has been "devastating" for BKB owners Raj and Sheila Basran, "their employees and families and the community as a whole."
Martin said she has met with Raj Basran, Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond and representatives from the Robson Valley Support Society.
"It was agreed that ensuring employees and families have the support they need in place as quickly as possible was the first and most important step," Martin said. "To that end, my understanding is RVSS is arranging a meeting... with representatives from employment insurance, the bank and Red Cross."
Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer said his office will offer help with claims from employees.
Martin said the RCMP have turned the site over to WorkSafeBC.
"There will be future steps taken. However, right now taking care of the employees and the Basrans is the most important step," Martin said.
