BRITISH COLUMBIA – As wildfires continue to rage across British Columbia, several big Canadian lumber mills have been forced to temporarily close.

Norbord Inc., the world’s largest producer of oriented strand board (OSB), announced it temporarily suspended all production at its mill in central British Columbia. Norbord runs 13 OSB mills across North America and employs over 2,600 people.

Norbord isn't new to experiencing fires - a blaze raged through the company's Alberta OSB plant in 2016.

West Fraser, one of Canada’s largest producers of lumber, LVL, MDF, plywood, and other wood products, has closed three locations in British Columbia. 

Wildfires are rapidly spreading across the western United States and Canada, forcing thousands of evacuations. Military personnel have been deployed by both countries in an effort to battle the flames.

British Columbia even declared its own state of emergency – its first in 14 years – as it says over 200 fires are burning across the province. More than 10,000 people have been evacuated.

Kinder Morgan's oil pipeline in British Columbia is a growing concern as fires enter its vicinity. The crude oil pipeline is still operating, but the company said its taking precautions and monitoring the situation carefully. Kinder Morgan is the largest energy infrastructure company in North America.