VERNON, British Columbia – An electrical fire damaged Tolko Industries' Armstrong sawmill on Dec. 29.

The fire to the Armstrong electricity substation reportedly knocked out the sawmill's power. A fire department spokesman said that while the fire was not big, it still did a lot of damage.

The early-morning fire occurred the same day that Tolko officials announced that the Armstrong and its Soda Creek lumber operations will take additional downtime for the month of January. The temporary curtailments will reduce production by approximately 35 million board feet and affect 350 employees.

“A lack of available economic fibre and weak markets are impacting our operating footprint in the province,” said Troy Connolly, vice president of Solid Wood. “While our goal is to ensure consistency and stability for all of our operations, the steep decline in lumber demand and upward cost pressures in the province make the decision necessary.”

Pino Pucci, vice president, Tolko marketing and sales, said Tolko “will continue to support our customers and do our best to minimize any impacts. Our customers are understanding of current market conditions and aware of our ongoing commitment to serve them.”

The downtime at each mill will be evaluated at the end of the month to determine the next steps, the company said.

“We have an extremely committed workforce at these locations whose families and communities rely on Tolko," Connoly said.."We will continue to support our employees during this challenging time.”