The Tolko veneer plant in Heffley Creek got a close inspection Thursday after a fire broke out Wednesday at about 11 p.m.

Fire Insp. Dan Funk said that with recent incidents at B.C. mills, sources of explosive material are on top of the check list.

The Tolko plant checked out fine.

"They've been generally good with keeping up with their maintenance."

The source of the fire was creosote in a dryer that worked its way to the fan. Heavy smoke spread to the ceiling joists.

The blaze was contained by the plant's sprinkler system, and Kamloops Fire Rescue finished it off.

Smoke damage to the joists was not bad enough that they will have to be replaced, Funk noted.

Veneer plants work with wetter wood, which keeps moisture content up and dust down. It's the dust that can lead to explosions.

"We've gone to every mill in the city (for inspections), anything that produces dust."

Inspections at commercial operations are carried out at least once or twice a year — more often if there is a complaint for a fire, Funk said.