Mayor Steve Ryan of St. Mary’s characterizes the events of Tuesday night as a convergence of unfortunate 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 personal impact was still sinking in.
“My parents dedicated over 30 years to the plant,” Ryan conveyed to CBC News on Wednesday morning. “It was our way of life, relying on the plant for our livelihood.”
The fire was reported around 8:45 p.m. NT on Tuesday evening.
Ryan described arriving to witness flames roaring out of the roof, and it became evident within approximately 10 minutes that the structure was beyond saving.
Don Boyles, the chief of the Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department, acknowledged the futility of the situation.
“The fire was uncontrollable. We lacked the necessary resources to extinguish such a massive fire,” Boyles remarked. “Preserving the safety of our firefighters was paramount. We couldn’t salvage the building.”
Approximately 20 residents evacuated their homes to seek refuge at the town hall until the early morning hours, as confirmed by Ryan.
The fish plant, a significant employer in the area with over 300 workers during peak season, both local and international, was engaged in processing redfish just days before the devastating incident.
The mayor emphasized that the plant offered stable, well-paying employment opportunities, attracting individuals globally to the region.
“The community is reeling from the loss. Many are devastated, and it’s a significant blow,” Ryan stated, noting the familial bond among the workers.
“There was a job for anyone willing to work. But for now, it’s all come to a halt.”
While the plant owners have not made public statements following the fire, Ryan mentioned that they shared the same sense of devastation during their discussions.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is conducting an investigation to ascertain the fire’s cause.
Wind speeds reached up to 172 km/h along the southern Avalon Peninsula on Tuesday. Environment Canada’s wind advisory remains in effect for the Avalon Peninsula with gusts anticipated to reach 110 km/h along the coast.
The seafood processing plant caught fire Tuesday night amid a heavy storm, and firefighting efforts were futile due to the overpowering winds. CBC’s Terry Roberts reports from St. Mary