The Prince Edward Island Fire Marshal’s Office says a malfunction in or around a wood chipper likely caused a massive fire at a farm production facility last month.

The bureau said in a statement that the Oct. 1 fire at Valley Truss and Metal in Kensington was ruled accidental.

Smoke filled the sky that afternoon as fire departments from Kensington, Summerside and New London responded to the blaze at 8 Park Rd. in the town about 15 kilometers northeast of Summerside.

The fire destroyed the company’s main production building.

Valley Truss is one of four island manufacturers of floor and roof trusses designed for use in construction projects.

Its loss would have a “substantial impact” on the Island, the director general of the PEI Construction Association predicted immediately after the fire.

“Lucky enough that we have a number of other facilities that we’ve heard are stepping in and stepping up in traditional island fashion,” said Sam Sanderson.