May 12, 2020

3 Min Read
“Process Upset” Causes Dryer Fire at BC Pellet Plant
An explosion and fire were reported at a Pinnacle pellet plant in Lavington, BC on Monday. Image courtesy of Pixabay

Emergency personnel responded to the Pinnacle Renewable Energy pellet plant in Lavington, BC during the early hours of Monday morning after an explosion and a large fire were reported at the facility, according to local news coverage.

“At approximately 3 a.m. Monday, May 11th, Pinnacle’s Lavington pellet plant experienced a process upset that resulted in a fire in one of the of the two dryer systems,” Scott Bax, chief operating officer at Pinnacle, said in a statement quoted by Vernon Matters. “There were no injuries and the scene is safe.”

Some news reports on the fire differed from the company’s narrative. Lavington Fire Chief Marty Wright stated in an interview with Vernon Morning Star that the blaze ignited in a fan chamber and flames extended to several outbuildings.

Pinnacle said the facility was not majorly damaged, KelownaNow.com reported, but operations at the site will be paused while the company conducts an investigation. WorkSafe BC has also opened an investigation into the incident. 

Powder & Bulk Solids reported in May 2019 that a blaze ignited in a piece of drying equipment at the Pinnacle Pellet plant in Williams Lake, BC. Fire officials said flames spread from the drying system to piping and fans inside the facility. No injuries were reported.

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