The cause of a fire at an animal feed production business in the southeast industrial park remains under investigation, but it's not believed to be suspicious, fire officials say.
Firefighters were called to the business — Trouw Nutrition/Shur-Gain at 5902 48 Ave. — at 7:51 p.m. Friday, March 2.
There were no injuries, but damage to the building is deemed to be "extensive," according to a fire department news release.
A total of 40 firefighters fought the blaze. Olds firefighters received help from Carstairs, Didsbury and Sundre fire departments. Five pumper trucks, an aerial ladder, rescue and support vehicles were on-scene.
They battled the blaze in -30 C temperatures for about five hours.
"Due to the nature of the this type of facility there was an extreme hazard to firefighters entering this facility due to the potential for dust explosions," a news release says.
Smoke was heavy.
"The smoke conditions were monitored closely before the decision was made to enter the structure to pursue an active attack on the fire," the release says.
Fire officials say the facility is expected to be "non-operational for an undetermined period of time" in order for repairs to be made.
"The fire department did suffer some equipment damage and hose failure due to the frigid temperatures and water application, but firefighters worked into the early morning to restore units to service," the release says.
