On May 24, 1924 Thurston-Flavelle lost their entire stock of summer lumber after a shed catches fire at the start of the season. Robert Thurston was so upset that he fired the Superintendent, who had promised he would be in Port Moody that day.

In 1932 the mill was forced to close down for 18 months due to the depression. It reopened in 1934 thanks to a thriving shingle market.