The cause of a massive fire at a rubber recycling plant earlier this month has been ruled accidental.
According to Shercom Industries President Shane Olson, the investigation into the blaze that started April 4 found no wrongdoing.
“We had a couple of staff doing hot work outside the building and unfortunately it appears there was a strong wind that carried a spark through a vent near the roof line,” Olson said on the Brent Loucks Show Thursday.
Olson said the building was vacant and staff only noticed the fire once smoke began to show. He credits employees for handling the dangerous situation promptly and safely.
“The rollercoaster ride continues, but I would say there’s more highs than lows,” Olson said.
The fire destroyed two buildings and took more than 140 personnel two days to quell the flames.
Olson said the company is moving forward, one day at a time.
“Each day we get a little further ahead in the rebuilding process…but we’re also dealing with a bit of a grieving process,” he said.
One of the biggest considerations for Shercom now is whether or not it will rise again from the ashes at its current site just north of Saskatoon.
“If we look at our same location…it’s going to be a couple of months before a contract can even be awarded for the rebuild process,” Olson said.
“Moving is certainly an option we have to look at…if we can move to an existing building, we can start the rebuilding process almost immediately.”
While all office staff remain on payroll, other employees have been impacted by the loss of property.
Olson said the goal is have all staff back to work as soon as possible, and some have been hired to help with the rebuild.
At capacity, Shercom employs around 100 people.
The province’s only rubber recycling plant is also back collecting tires and other materials on an emergency and as-needed basis.