A fire swept through Aquashell Holdings Inc., a shellfish processing facility in Wallace, N.S., destroying the main building in Cumberland County on Monday. The blaze, reported around 10 a.m., required the response of multiple fire departments, with approximately eight on-site at the peak of the incident.
Tom Flynn, the chief of the Wallace District Volunteer Fire Department, noted the challenging firefighting conditions due to strong winds. The efforts were primarily defensive to contain the fire and prevent further spread. By Monday evening, the fire was under control, and crews were addressing remaining hot spots.
Greg Herrett, Cumberland County’s chief administrative officer, mentioned the evacuation of an area near the facility due to smoke concerns, with no reported injuries. The community expressed solidarity with those affected, acknowledging the significant impact on Aquashell employees during this period.
The evacuation zone encompassed residences and structures directly opposite the processing plant, with power outages in Wallace and Malagash areas as firefighters worked to extinguish the fire. A comfort center was established at the Wallace fire hall to support affected residents. At one point, around 460 properties experienced power loss, which was later restored.
District councillor Kathy Redmond highlighted the community’s united response, particularly emphasizing the involvement of volunteer firefighters among local residents. She expressed emotional support for the village, emphasizing the tight-knit nature of the community and the shared concern for each other’s well-being.