Crews race to battle large fire at sawmill in Vancouver

1:44 South Vancouver sawmill fire under control

After a very busy morning, crews have brought a fire in a Vancouver sawmill under control.

The fire broke out at Mainland Sawmills, at Yukon Street and Kent Avenue, just before 6 a.m.

Flames and heavy smoke could be seen filling the air around the mill. Dozens of firefighters raced to the scene and quickly upgraded the blaze to a three-alarm fire.

A fireboat was also deployed to help fight the fire from the water.

There is no word yet on how the fire started.

The assistant fire chief told Global News three mill workers had to be taken to hospital for smoke inhalation, but that they were able to walk to the ambulance. One person also tripped and hit his head suffering minor injuries.

The mill is next to a power substation and crews worked diligently to make sure the fire did not spread to that structure.

WATCH: Aerial view of the fire from Friday morning:

1:14 Aerial view of the sawmill fire in Vancouver

About 40 firefighters remain on scene at this hour and will be there into the afternoon to make sure there are no flare-ups and to douse any hotspots.