Firefighters in Greater Sudbury spent hours battling an industrial fire at Vale’s Clarabelle Mill after flames broke out late on the night of May 6.
Emergency crews were dispatched shortly after 11 p.m., where arriving firefighters encountered thick black smoke coming from a large section of the industrial facility. The incident prompted a significant response involving 24 firefighters, a platoon chief, and an air technician.
Officials said the fire was contained to areas between the second and fifth floors of the building. Due to the size of the structure and heavy smoke conditions, crews used handlines and search lines while working inside the mill to control the blaze.
Although the fire itself was extinguished in under an hour, firefighters remained at the scene until approximately 7 a.m. the following morning to manage hot spots and ensure the area was safe.
Vale confirmed all employees were accounted for and no injuries were reported. Fire Chief Rob Grimwood said the cause of the fire is still under investigation but does not appear to be suspicious. Vale is expected to conduct the investigation into the incident.
The company has not released an estimate of the damage caused by the fire.