UPDATE: One dead, one in hospital following Tourmaline Gundy plant fire

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — One worker has sustained fatal injuries due to a fire at a work camp north of Fort St. John.

The fire began when workers at Tourmaline Oil’s Gundy plant, 150 kilometres north of the city, struck a pipe at roughly 6:00 p.m. last night, according to the BC Energy Regulator (BCER).

“The fire was extinguished early this morning,” BCER’s latest update reads. “The plant is secure and there is no further risk to public safety or the environment.”

BCER claimed injuries had been reported but had no information to share regarding how many people were hurt or their severity.

BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) says four ambulances responded to a call to the scene at 6:37 p.m. and met a company medical van at an inn north of Charlie Lake.

“Paramedics provided emergency medical treatment to two patients,” explains public information officer Brian Twaites. “One patient was transported to hospital in critical condition. The other patient was transported to hospital in serious condition.”

Tourmaline has since confirmed one worker has passed away from fatal injuries, while the other is still being treated.

“We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of the individuals,” Tourmaline’s latest update reads.

Workers from Tourmaline, BCER compliance officers and members of WorkSafeBC and the local RCMP detachment all remain at the site for the moment.

Tourmaline’s latest update claims the company is working with the proper authorities to investigate the cause of the fire, and the plant – which is undamaged – is shut down for now.

“Tourmaline’s primary focus remains on the safety and wellbeing of onsite personnel and mitigating risk to the environment.”

RCMP officers say they’re assisting in the investigation, and that while “causal factors have yet to be determined,” there’s no evidence to suggest any criminality.

Energeticcity.ca will post new information regarding the incident as updates become available.