Daily News for September 22, 2025

Today’s Takeaway

U.S. ambassador to Canada says softwood solution will be difficult

The Tree Frog Forestry News
September 22, 2025
Category: Today's Takeaway

The US ambassador to Canada says a softwood solution is desirable but will be very, very difficult. In related news: Canada’s lumber industry braces for trade war; both BC and Ontario support their value-added wood manufacturers; and Section 232 duties may derail a home construction comeback. In other Business news: unions join Quebec First Nations against Bill 97; the explosion at Fiberon’s South Carolina facility was likely from wood dust; cardboard-box demand is slumping; lumber futures tick down; and wood-pulp-based fibres hold steady.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: COFI and TLA say forestry is the solution for BC; Canada’s Supreme Court won’t hear Green Party deputy leader’s appeal over Fairly Creek protests; logging protesters in BC’s Walbran Valley brace for possible arrest; Vernon climate activists call for forestry reform; Yukon completes a wildfire protection plan; Oregon senators announce funding to reduce wildfire risk; and Virginia’s governor launches funding for hurricane Helene recovery.

Finally, Alberta’s Minister of Forest is early out-of-the-gate on National Forest Week.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

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Opinion / EdiTOADial

Forestry is the solution for a stronger British Columbia

By Kim Haakstad (COFI) and Peter Lister (TLA)
The Times Colonist
September 22, 2025
Category: Opinion / EdiTOADial
Region: Canada, Canada West

As leaders gather this week at the 2025 Union of BC Municipalities’ convention to chart the future of British Columbia, forestry must be central to those discussions. Forestry touches communities of every size in every part of BC It is not just an industry — it is part of BC’s fabric. And at a time of pressing challenges, forestry offers solutions: for rural, urban and Indigenous communities, it can and should be a unifying force. …Yet the sector faces headwinds. US softwood lumber duties exceed 35%, global markets remain volatile and further tariff increases loom. These forces are beyond our control, but they make action at home urgent. In challenging times, we need to focus on solutions that make us stronger together — solutions that are about “and”, not “or.”

Recent polling shows 87% of British Columbians agree that effectively developing natural resources is key to future growth. That means economy and environment. Reconciliation and jobs. …Premier David Eby has recognized this by naming forestry as a major project known as the “path to 45 million cubic metres.” BC’s allowable annual cut is around 60 million cubic metres. We’re harvesting barely half of that, and many mills are down to one shift. That means lost jobs, lost opportunities and declining community stability. The good news is: forestry doesn’t need years of permitting. We already have the people, the infrastructure and the supply chain in place. We can unleash forestry now, while new mines, LNG facilities and clean energy projects work their way through the approval process. Closing that gap matters — not just for companies, but for communities across BC. If we can reach the 45 million target harvest, government tax revenues would increase over $500 million per year from stumpage and non-stumpage revenues. 

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Business & Politics

U.S. ambassador to Canada says softwood solution will be ‘very, very difficult’

By Oliver Pearson
CBC News
September 20, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

Pete Hoekstra

Pete Hoekstra says he hopes the United States and Canada can strike a deal on softwood lumber, an issue that predates both of Donald Trump’s terms in Washington. “This is going to be a very, very difficult one to solve,” Hoekstra, the US ambassador to Canada, said Friday on a visit to New Brunswick. “I think the focus will be resolving some other issues, finding out exactly how we do those to see if maybe after 40 years we can finally resolve softwood lumber.” …When asked if the U.S. needs Canada’s wood products, Hoekstra wasn’t sure. J.D. Irving said that “more than 80% of New Brunswick’s forest products exports cross the US border.” Those products include softwood and hardwood lumber, pulp and paper products, shingles, fibre and oriented strand board, and even Christmas trees. Hoekstra stopped in Fredericton on Friday to meet with Premier Susan Holt. 

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Canada’s US$63 billion lumber industry hit by Trump’s trade war

By Ilya Gridneff and Susannah Savage
The Financial Times
September 20, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

Terrace, a small town nestled in the foothills of the mountains of BC, boomed in the 1920s, shipping Canadian cedar for telephone lines and power cables across the globe. But today local sawmill owners such as Warren Gavronsky are on the front line of a crisis hitting the country’s US$63bn forestry industry as a result of US duties and a slowdown in the world’s largest economy. …Canada’s forest products industry is one of the country’s largest employers, operating in hundreds of communities and providing 200,000 direct jobs. …Ottawa this week quietly withdrew two challenges to US anti-dumping duties on softwood lumber, a “strategic choice” aimed at improving relations with Washington, said Canada’s foreign ministry. The issue for US housebuilders, according to Gavronsky, is that they need softwood lumber. …The US industry accuses its Canadian rivals of dumping because they have no other market to sell into and it is convenient to ship it across the border.

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Wood-product manufacturing gets a boost in British Columbia

By Ministry of Forests
Government of British Columbia
September 19, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

Nine more forestry companies are being supported to modernize, innovate and diversify their product lines and fibre sources to make more high-value, made-in-BC products, and help protect and create jobs. “It’s no secret our forestry sector is facing many challenges, making these investments timely, while I continue the fight to secure every dollar from Ottawa,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), the Province is contributing as much as $2.5 million for nine wood-product manufacturing businesses to plan or complete capital projects. This may include building new or upgrading existing facilities to scale their operations, buying new equipment to help maximize production and fibre utilization, and reduce waste, or conducting planning activities to support future capital investments. For example, Canadian Bavarian Millwork and Lumber in Chemainus will receive as much as $1.4 million to help build its new facility and buy advanced equipment.

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Statement – A collective and united approach against Bill 97

By Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador
Cision Newswire
September 22, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

WENDAKE, QC – On September 16, 2025, the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), its Chiefs Committee on Forestry, unions representing more than 20,000 forestry workers, environmental organizations, as well as the federations of ZECs and outfitters in Quebec supporting more than 5,000 jobs, came together for an unprecedented meeting. All share the same conclusion: Bill 97 is one of the most unifying pieces of legislation ever put forward—unifying in opposition. This joint declaration against it is proof of that. This convergence of voices reflects a deep concern with the current version of the bill and underscores that the forest must be regarded as a major societal issue. In this spirit, and as an act of collaboration, we call for Bill 97 not to be reintroduced in the new parliamentary session.

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Ontario Investing $3.5 Million to Support Job Creators in Province’s Forestry Sector

By Natural Resources
Government of Ontario
September 19, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

TORONTO – The Ontario government is investing over $3.5 million through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program to support Ontario’s forestry sector and bring more made-in-Ontario wood products to market. This funding will provide businesses with advanced manufacturing technology to launch new product lines for local and international markets, create jobs and boost productivity. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is helping forest sector businesses adapt, compete and grow to stay resilient in the face of U.S. tariffs. …Ontario’s investment will enhance operations at two forest sector businesses: DSI Industries, an office furniture manufacturer, is receiving $2.5 million to install automated finishing equipment; and Diamond CNC, a kitchen cabinet manufacturer, is receiving over $1 million to install robotic systems which automate material handling. 

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Paper Australia sues Victorian government for $402 million over timber supply failure

By Madeleine Stuchbery, Danielle Pope and Jack Colantuono
ABC News, Australia
September 22, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: International

©Wiki

AUSTRALIA — A paper mill is suing the Victorian government for more than $400 million in damages, accusing it of not providing a steady supply of pulpwood. Paper Australia, trading as Opal, has filed proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria, claiming the government breached a contract that required it to provide a table supply of pulpwood to the Maryvale Mill in Gippsland’s Latrobe Valley. The Maryvale Mill ceased white paper production in 2023, but still produces other paper products in a smaller capacity, in the wake of dwindling native timber supply and the state government ending native timber harvesting in 2024. …Under the agreement, the state government would supply Opal with pulpwood for paper and in particular, native harvest eucalypt wood, which was identified as a “critical raw material” for the company’s white paper products. But in late 2022, the government advised Opal it would not be able to fulfil its obligations. 

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Finance & Economics

Lumber Prices Fall Amid Housing Market Struggles

Trading View
September 22, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, United States

Lumber futures fell back below $570 per thousand board feet in September, reflecting the struggles in the US housing market. Builders are scaling back new construction amid a recent inventory glut and growing economic uncertainty, while the Trump administration’s fluctuating stance on tariffs for imported lumber over the past few months has added further volatility. Meanwhile, a significant gap remains between the number of homes for sale and the demand from Americans seeking housing. Affordability challenges have caused many buyers to withdraw in recent months, keeping construction activity muted throughout 2025. However, recent cuts in US interest rates, along with prospects of further easing, have helped curb some of the losses. Without a substantial increase in new home demand, the subdued pace of construction is likely to persist, as builders continue to compete with the steadily growing inventory of existing homes. [END]

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Expert warns new lumber tariffs could derail new home construction comeback

By Matt Sexton
Mortgage Professional America Magazine
September 21, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, United States

Russ Taylor

A recent unexpected drop in Canadian lumber prices and futures market, combined with declining mortgage rates, has potentially provided an opportunity for the struggling new home construction market to pick back up. So far, that opportunity hasn’t turned into increased building permits, housing starts, or builder confidence. …Russ Taylor said “The one thing we’re still waiting for is this Section 232 investigation for wood and timber and wood derivatives for all countries”. “That’s got a few people spooked. If they put tariffs on top of duties, this makes everything even worse for lumber.” While builder confidence remained low, there is some hope that lower interest rates might help. …“We’re probably six months out from seeing very high prices again, as mills start to build order files and buyers come back to the market,” Taylor said. But there are so many unknowns. Where is the US economy heading? What’s going to happen with higher inflation?

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Cardboard-Box Demand Is Slumping. Why That’s Bad News for the Economy

By Ryan Dezember
The Wall Street Journal
September 21, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: United States, International

Cardboard-box demand is slumping, flashing a potential warning about the health of the American consumer given that goods ranging from pizzas to ovens are transported in corrugated packaging. A historic run of pulp-mill closures is also signaling problems for the companies that make corrugated packaging as well as the timberland owners who sell them wood. International Paper, the country’s biggest box maker, announced last month the shutdown of two US containerboard mills, which make the brown paper that is folded into corrugated packaging. …It is a surprising turn in the e-commerce era. Box makers and analysts say demand presently suffers from uncertainty in US boardrooms and export markets because of President Trump’s tariffs as well as from weakening consumer spending. The sputtering housing market has also hurt, reducing the need for moving boxes as well as packaging for building products and appliances. [to access the full story a WSJ subscription is required]

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Global polyester production climbs while cotton declines and viscose holds steady

By Matthieu Guinebault
The Fashion Network
September 22, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: International

Textile Exchange’s annual report indicates that global fibre production is expected to remain on an upward trajectory in 2024, with synthetic fibres steadily widening the gap with natural materials, while cellulosic (wood-pulp-based) fibres are expected to hold steady. The share of recycled fibres has not increased either, except in the wool market. …Other plant-based fibres account for 6.9 million tonnes of production. This market is dominated by jute (54%), followed by cotton fibre (26%), flax (5%), and hemp (5%). These two bast fibres, flax and hemp, thus account for 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively, of global fibre production. Cellulosics, the third major fibre family, maintained their market share, with viscose, acetate, lyocell, modal and cupro accounting for 6% of global fibre production, at 8.4 million tonnes (+6.4%).  …Nearly 70% of this sector’s production is now covered by the FSC and PEFC forest certification programmes.

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Wood, Paper & Green Building

On-campus student housing opens at North Island College

By Ministry of Infrastructure
Government of British Columbia
September 19, 2025
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada, Canada West

VANCOUVER ISLAND — North Island College’s first on-campus student housing complex is now open for students. Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure… “This 217-bed project uses locally sourced mass timber, which is a more sustainable choice of building material and demonstrates that smart infrastructure investments can strengthen communities and create lasting benefits.” The buildings address a critical shortage of accessible and culturally appropriate student housing in the region. …The buildings are made of mass timber to reduce environmental impact and support BC’s Wood First program. In addition, much of the project was built off site, improving efficiency and minimizing waste. The three buildings meet Step 4 of the B.C. Energy Step Code, the highest energy-efficiency standard for commercial buildings. The $77-million complex includes a $75-million investment from the provincial government and a $2-million contribution from North Island College.

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Forestry

National Forest Week: Minister Loewen

By Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks
Government of Alberta
September 21, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

As we mark National Forest Week, I invite all Albertans to reflect on the important role our forests play in shaping the future of our province, whether economically, environmentally or culturally. Alberta’s forest sector is one of the largest and most productive in the country, contributing significantly to Canada’s national prosperity. From lumber and pulp to emerging bio-based materials, our responsibly managed timber harvest supports thousands of jobs, drives innovation in forest products and strengthens our communities. These contributions extend beyond Alberta’s borders, helping sustain Canada’s position as a global leader in sustainable forestry. Our forested areas are top of mind for many Albertans as we faced challenging wildfire seasons in recent years. Managing our forests responsibly is also key to reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires, helping protect both people and landscapes.

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U.S. adventure group says it may revise controversial application to use B.C. land

By Kathryn Marlow
CBC News
September 20, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), an American non-profit that operates in B.C., says it may make changes to its controversial application to use provincial Crown land, after it does more consultation with First Nations. The organization recently applied to renew and expand its licences to occupy Crown land, saying it wants to stop and camp at the sites along the B.C. coast while on a sea-kayaking trip from Washington state to Alaska next summer. But the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is the latest to express concern about the application — and after hearing its concerns, NOLS said it would consult further. …While many British Columbians have expressed concern about an American group getting access to Canadian land while Canada-U.S. relations are tense, Rich Majerus, of NOLS, said now is a time to build bridges.

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Mayo, Yukon completes wildfire protection plan after several challenging fire seasons

By Chris MacIntyre
CBC News
September 19, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Summer is nearing its end but one Yukon community is already thinking about next year’s wildfire season. The Village of Mayo, Yukon is the latest community to finalize its wildfire community protection plan. It identifies potential wildfire risks within the community and surrounding areas, while outlining actions to prevent, or reduce those risks. The plan was designed with input from the municipality, the First Nation of Na Cho Nyak Dun, and the territory’s Wildland Fire Management. Ellis, Mayo’s mayor, said now that the plan is outlined on paper it’s time to start implementing it. “The big thing is the physical stuff,” he said, like thinning fire breaks for example. “That stuff is going to take some time and we’ve got to get to work on it.”

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Supreme Court not hearing Green Party deputy leader’s appeal over Fairy Creek protests

By Oli Herrera
Chek News
September 20, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

Angela Davidson

Five years after being arrested over Fairy Creek protests, the Supreme Court of Canada has said it won’t hear Angela ‘Rainbow Eyes’ Davidson’s case. Nearly 1,200 arrests were made beginning in 2021, when protestors demonstrated against old-growth forest logging in Fairy Creek. Angela Davidson – also known as Rainbow Eyes and is currently the deputy leader for the federal Green party – was among those arrested. Davidson was convicted of seven counts of criminal contempt in 2024. The B.C. Supreme Court ruled she violated an injunction when she locked herself to a logging road gate. She also returned to the injunction zone six more times after the first incident. … Davidson was sentenced to 60 days in jail, minus 12 days served, plus 75 hours of community service. After the conviction, her lawyer, Ben Isitt, began an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

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Vernon climate rally raises fracking awareness, calls for forestry reform

By Brendan Shykora
Revelstoke Review
September 21, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

A group of people staged a rally outside the Museum and Archives of Vernon Saturday, calling for climate action and raising awareness about human activities they say are a net negative when it comes to human health. … Climate activist Jane Weixl, said one climate-related issue on her mind is the need for forestry reform. She said the five-year mark has just passed from when the provincial government said it would implement 14 forestry recommendations from a strategic review. “We need to stop clear-cut logging. We have a lot of different excuses for clear-cut logging, that it’ll help with forest fires — well, we know it causes flooding. We know it makes forest fires worse because the whole top layer dries up when there are no trees sheltering it. We are really in serious need of forestry reform,” she added.

Related news in the Similkameen Spotlight, by Logan Lockhart: Climate protesters ‘draw the line’ at Penticton rally

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Lil’wat Forestry Ventures to lead cultural burn near Mount Currie this fall

By Luke Faulks
The Pique News Magazine
September 19, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Lil’wat Forestry Ventures (LFV), working in partnership with the Líl̓wat Nation and with support from the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), is set to carry out a cultural burn this fall adjacent to the Xetó̓lacw community in Mount Currie. The burn—located approximately 16 kilometres northeast of Pemberton—aims to reduce wildfire risk, restore ecosystems, and reintroduce culturally important plants like berries and mushrooms.  “We’re proud to support this cultural burn, which combines traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern fire management practices,” said Fire Chief Marshall Ritchie in a release. “It will help protect our community from future wildfires while also restoring the landscape, bringing back berries and mushrooms over the next two to five years. That renewal will benefit not just us, but also local wildlife like deer and bears.”

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2 joint B.C.-federal programs expanding to help workers impacted by U.S. tariffs

The Northern View
September 19, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

The B.C. government says two partnerships with the federal government are being expanded to help workers and communities affected by U.S. tariffs. The first is Build Your Own Future. A program originally focused on forestry, it is being expanded to support workers across all industries affected by U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policy, says a release from the Social Development and Poverty Reduction Ministry Sept. 19. It’s funded through the Northern Innovation Network as a three-year initiative to develop and deliver entrepreneurship training tailored to skilled trades people and technicians. The ministry says the program offers five-day business boot camps, with one-on-one coaching and mentorship to “help displaced workers transition into entrepreneurship.” Those who complete the program are eligible for a $5,000 grant to help cover startup costs, the release adds. 

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Quesnel council approved $20K for 2027 Future of Forestry Think Tank

By Jordy Cunningham
Quesnel Cariboo Observer
September 19, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

After a successful 2025 event, Quesnel council has approved $20,000 to advance the 2027 Future of Forestry Think Tank (FFTT) Summit. On May 21 and 22, the fourth FFTT took place at the North Cariboo Community Campus where 54 delegates from various orders of government, academia, industry, and funding organizations from across Canada attended. B.C.’s Minister of Forests, Ravi Parmar, opened the event with a pre-recorded message to the attendees addressing the importance of a positive, proactive, innovative, and local approach to the significant challenges confronting the province’s forest sector. This year’s theme was ‘Accelerating Change’ and in total, 15 recommendations came out of the two-day summit to help B.C.’s forestry industry. Quesnel council approved $20,000 from the City’s Forestry Initiatives Program to support FFTT over the next two years…

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Logging protesters in Walbran brace for possible arrest

By Roxanne Egan-Elliott
Victoria Times Colonist
September 20, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

Old-growth logging protesters blocking a remote road in the Upper Walbran Valley area are gearing up for potential arrests one week after a judge granted an injunction allowing police to arrest people blocking forestry work. Will O’Connell, who has spent time at the camp and is named in the injunction application, said protesters are prepared to be arrested. Some tree sits have been set up in trees that are set to be logged and people are prepared to occupy them, he said. …Protesters have built a 2.5-metre fence and gate with a tower across the logging road and a small cabin using logging waste that’s left behind in burn piles, he said. …Geoff Payne, general manager of Tsawak-qin Forestry, said in a statement the company hopes blockaders decide to respect the injunction and leave on their own, so work can proceed safely.

Additional coverage in Ricochet, by Brandi Morin: ‘It’s time to prepare for war:’ Forest defenders in ancient Walbran valley ready for RCMP raid

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Wyden, Merkley Announce $7.47 Million to Reduce Wildfire Risk and Boost Timber Production

Ron Wyden Senator for Oregon
September 19, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US West

Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced more than $7.4 million to support removal and transport of 417,308 tons of low-value trees and woody debris from national forests to processing facilities, including a critical $4.6 million award to support the forest products industry in Grant County. “Responsible forestry is at the center of Oregon’s identity,” Wyden said. “Not only does this federal award keep Oregon’s rural communities safer by clearing out the buildup of fire prone material from our beautiful national forests, but it also supports rural economies that depend on sustainable forest products and management.” “Addressing hazardous fuels is win-win-win, it reduces wildfire risk, supports good-paying mill jobs, and increases forest resiliency,” said Merkley, who serves as ranking member of the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, which provides funds to the Forest Service for this and other hazardous fuels programs. 

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Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Virginia as First State in the Nation to Launch USDA Farm Recovery Block Grant Program

The Virginian Review
September 22, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East

RICHMOND, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that Virginia is the first state in the nation to launch the Farm Recovery Block Grant Program, funded by the US Department of Agriculture. Beginning Monday, September 22, 2025, farmers and timber landowners in designated localities can apply for direct financial assistance to recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. …Through this partnership with USDA, the Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant Program and will provide $60.9 million in disaster assistance through direct payments to eligible applicants in 27 designated localities. …The block-grant funding is intended to assist farmers and timber owners with certain losses that are not covered by other federal disaster assistance programs. Funding claims for this grant opportunity may be submitted for timber losses. …Eligible producers can begin submitting applications on Monday, September 22, 2025.

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Health & Safety

Explosion at wood manufacturer injures four workers

HazardEx
September 19, 2025
Category: Health & Safety
Region: US East

Four people were taken to hospital in the US on 12 September after an explosion at the Fiberon site in Stanly County, North Carolina. Initial inspections of the facility, which manufactures composite decking and railing products, suggest the incident was a result of a dust explosion, officials said. …Several people received treatment at the site for minor injuries with four Fiberon employees taken to a local hospital. Fire crews managed to bring a small fire under control and extinguished it within a couple of hours. In a statement, the Stanly County Fire Marshal’s Office said an investigation was already underway involving several agencies… According to local media, the explosion wasn’t the first fire-related incident at the site. In 2020, several silos and a dust collector caught fire which resulted in a number of small explosions. No employees were injured, however two firefighters were hurt while attempting to extinguish a fire the following day.

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