COLUMBIA FALLS, MT — A significant explosion and subsequent fire broke out at the Weyerhaeuser MDF plant in Columbia Falls on Wednesday morning, prompting a massive emergency response. According to Columbia Falls Fire Chief Karl Weeks, crews were dispatched to the scene shortly before 8 a.m. Upon arrival, they observed light smoke and found sheet metal that had been blown off one of the plant’s structures.
Chief Weeks confirmed that the explosion was caused by an electrical issue. Due to the size of the facility, it took firefighters several hours to bring the blaze under control. The fire was officially knocked down just before 1 p.m., though emergency personnel remained on-site to clear the area until around 3:50 p.m.
Fire departments from Columbia Falls, Evergreen, Whitefish, Kalispell, and Bad Rock all responded to the scene to assist in battling the flames. No injuries have been reported, though the plant sustained significant damage. Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the destruction caused by the explosion.
Weyerhaeuser, a major manufacturer of engineered wood products, has yet to release a statement regarding the incident. Local authorities are expected to provide additional updates as the investigation into the cause of the explosion and fire progresses.
