Graham Kissack, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility for Catalyst Paper Corporation, explained a belt burned off a piece of equipment in the crumb pulp system.

"The fire was small and was extinguished quickly by operations," he noted. "The belt guard had come loose and started rubbing on the drive sheave that caused heat and eventual failure. Permanent repairs were made to the guard (Monday afternoon) and the entire system is already returned to service."

Crofton Fire Department was dispatched, but told to stand down before arriving at the mill, according to a member of the mill's security personnel.