SEATTLE -- Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc. announced today (June 11) that recovery activities are under way following the fire that occurred yesterday at its Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) facility in Columbia Falls, Mont. All employees were safely evacuated and there were no reported injuries. Residual fire activity occurred in the early morning hours today, which was quickly contained by local fire and safety departments that remain on-site to monitor the situation.

Tom Ray, vice president, northwest resources and manufacturing, said safety is of critical importance. “We are very thankful that all of our employees are safe.” He also expressed appreciation for the rapid and professional response by local fire and safety departments. “Everyone at Plum Creek commends the efforts by fire departments to protect the people working at the facility. Their work is greatly appreciated,” he said.

Production at the facility has been suspended while the company investigates the cause of the incident. Ray said, “Operations are expected to resume in approximately 30 days. We will provide an update to our plans should that be necessary.”

The adjacent sawmill and plywood mills remain in operation and deliveries from existing MDF inventory resumed today.

Plum Creek operates Montana manufacturing facilities that produce lumber, plywood and MDF. These products are sold to construction, retail, industrial and other specialty markets. The seven-acre MDF facility employs 183 people.