UPDATE: Early morning fire near Mount Forest caused $2 million in damage

WELLINGTON NORTH – An early morning fire at a manufacturing building in Wellington North caused $2 million in damages but no injuries were reported.

In an email, deputy fire chief Callise Loos said Wellington North Fire Service received a call for a structure fire around 4:36 a.m. on Thursday with visible flames and smoke.

The structure fire was at a building that manufactures wood pallets at Wellington Road 6 and Sideroad 4 near Mount Forest.

“Upon arrival, crews began defensive operations due to the conditions of the fire and the amount of combustible material in the building,” Loos wrote. 

The building ended up as a total loss with the area of origin and cause of the fire narrowed down to a wood furnace. Loos said in a previous email the fire is not considered suspicious. 

Loos said no injuries have been reported but damage is estimated at $2 million.

Wellington North Fire Service was supported by Minto and Mapleton’s fire departments with around 60 firefighters attending the scene. 

“WNFS would like to thank those involved as the weather and size of the building created difficult conditions, not to mention the early morning wake up for firefighters,” Loos said. “WNFS sends caring thoughts to the owners and employees of the business affected by the fire.”

A social media post by Wellington North Fire Service at 1:18 p.m. said the scene is now mostly wrapped up.