The US National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported on Monday that the total number of large wildfires and complexes currently burning in the US has grown to 93, with more than 813,066 acres across 7 different states currently burning. Two new fires were reported within the past 24 hours.
Wood Markets News
BC’s San Group Announces Investments to Expand San Forest Products and Acorn Sawmill
San Group recently announced expansion projects totaling $23 million (CAD) to expand the company’s flagship value-added division, San Forest Products in Port Alberni, and the newly acquired Acorn Sawmill in Delta.
Hancock Lumber to Acquire Madison Lumber Mill
On Thursday, Hancock Lumber announced its plans to acquire Madison Lumber Mill, located in Madison, New Hampshire. The sale is expected to close on or before September 30th. Hancock has indicated the mill will continue to operate under the Madison Lumber name.
Pacheedaht First Nation and Teal Jones Sign Memorandum of Understanding
On Thursday, the Pacheedaht First Nation, located near Port Renfrew, BC, and Teal Jones agreed to identify specific forestry, business, commercial, and employment opportunities within the Nation’s traditional territories and pursue them through joint working agreements.
Paper Excellence Curtails Production at Crofton, BC, Paper Facility for Two Weeks
On Thursday, Paper Excellence announced that beginning Saturday, September 10 it would be curtailing production at its Crofton, BC, paper facility for two weeks. As a result, 95 employees will be temporarily laid off during the curtailment period.
Idaho and Montana Wildfires Continue to Expand, Even as Weather and Temperatures Moderate
A Canadian cold front sliding south along the continental divide brought some minor relief from high temperatures and cleared out much of the smoke that has been suffocating Montana. However, the intense wildfires burning out of control along the Idaho/Montana border remained unrelenting.
Estonian Sawmills Suffering From Deteriorating Demand and High Energy Prices
Estonian sawmills are facing difficult times, and if conditions don’t improve some sawmills may need to temporarily close by year’s end. Deteriorating demand is hitting timber producers at a time of skyrocketing energy prices.
Oregon Vineyard Installs Mass Timber Roof for Winery Pavilion
Domaine Willamette is the latest venture of Willamette Valley Vineyards, a leading Oregon producer of Pinot Noir. On Tuesday (9-6-22), a new roof for its outdoor pavilion made from sustainable, Oregon-made mass timber panels was set into place.
Mortgage Rates Continued to Push Higher in the Week Ending September 8, 2022
Freddie Mac has released its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) for the week ending September 8, 2022. The PMMS reports that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.89% with an average 0.7 point, up from last week when it averaged 5.66%.
Roseburg Investigating Possible Failure of Water-Spraying Machine as Potential Cause of Mill Fire
In a press release, Roseburg Forest Products Co., the operators of a veneer mill located in Weed, California, at the center of the Mill Fire, announced that it was investigating whether the possible failure of a water-spraying machine from a third-party equipment manufacturer led to the ignition of a structural fire at its facility on September 2.