BURNS LAKE (NEWS1130) – Community leaders in Burns Lake say they will dedicate the rebuild of a sawmill in the area to the workers who were killed or severely injured by an explosion and fire back in January.

They say they need to keep moving forward following the tragedy.

Burns Lake First Nation Chief Albert Gerow says he recognizes there is no way to reverse the terrible tragedy, which killed two workers and injured 19 others. One person still remains in hospital.

“An announcement like this couldn’t come at a better time and I want to express my deep thank you and appreciation,” he says. “The rebuilding of Babine Forest Products runs deep in our hearts and in our roots.”

The Babine Forest Products rebuild still needs a stamp of approval from the government. A final decision will be made in December.

“Miracles happened that night under tremendous circumstances in the small community of Burns Lake,” Gerow says. “Literally the whole community came out to ensure the best possible outcome that particular evening, and I couldn’t think of a better possible outcome than with the announcement today.”