The Grande Prairie Fire Department was called to a fire at the Canfor mill on Wapiti Road (108 Street) at about 10 a.m. on Monday.
When crews arrived, Canfor employees were evacuating the building and indicated there was a fire in the sawmill. Crews found moderate smoke conditions and a smoldering fire being controlled by the sprinkler systems in the sawmill.
Firefighters worked to extinguish spot fires and a concealed fire that had extended into the wall space. The fire was extinguished by 12:45 p.m.
The fire was caused by a seized/overheated bearing in the machinery, say officials.
Canfor officials estimate the fire damage to be between $25,000-$50,000.