St. Mary’s Mayor Steve Ryan characterized the recent events on Tuesday night as a convergence of challenging circumstances. He was the first responder at the scene of a fire that razed the St. Mary’s Bay Fisheries plant. Even hours later, the impact of the personal loss was still deeply felt.
Ryan shared with CBC News on Wednesday morning the emotional connection his family had to the plant, with his parents having worked there for over three decades. The fire was reported around 8:45 p.m. NT on Tuesday, and upon arrival, Ryan observed flames engulfing the structure, realizing swiftly that the building was beyond saving.
Don Boyles, the chief of the Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department, acknowledged the futility of their firefighting efforts due to the fire’s immense scale. Approximately 20 residents evacuated to seek shelter at the town hall until the early morning hours.
The fish plant, a crucial employer in the region with over 300 workers during peak times, both local and international, was known for offering good-paying jobs. Mayor Ryan emphasized the significant impact the plant had on the community, providing livelihoods to many.
The owners of the plant have not made public statements yet, but Mayor Ryan conveyed that they are equally devastated by the incident. The RCMP is conducting an investigation into the fire’s cause, with strong winds reaching up to 172 km/h in the southern Avalon Peninsula on Tuesday.
Mayor Ryan and Fire Chief Boyles expressed gratitude that there were no injuries and that the fire did not spread further. They also highlighted concerns for the employees, with discussions already initiated with authorities to explore support options for the upcoming processing season.
Sherry Gambin-Walsh, the MHA for Placentia-St. Mary’s, expressed hope for the plant’s reconstruction and emphasized the importance of assisting the employees whose employment insurance is due to expire soon.
The situation was further complicated by a communication blackout caused by a power outage, making it challenging for residents to connect during the crisis. Mayor Verna Hayward of St. Vincent’s highlighted the need for improved cell coverage in the area, especially during emergencies.
Flooding in St. Vincent’s Beach led to road closures, urging people to steer clear of the affected area. As power restoration efforts continued, Newfoundland Power aimed to address any further outages due to the unpredictable weather conditions.
The aftermath of the fire has sparked a community-wide response, with efforts underway to aid those affected and to rebuild the vital industry.