Fire Engulfs St. Mary’s Fish Plant Amid Hurricane-Force Winds

UPDATE: A devastating fire has completely destroyed the St. Mary’s Bay Inc. fish plant in St. Mary’s, Newfoundland, as the region grapples with hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall. The fire was reported late last night, and by the time emergency crews arrived, much of the building was already in ruins.

St. Mary’s Mayor Steve Ryan confirmed the fire’s extent during an interview with CBC News on September 26, 2023. He was the first on the scene and described the situation as dire, stating, “The structure was gone before crews could even get to the fire.”

As the community faces a severe weather event, with winds gusting up to 172 km/h at Cape St. Mary’s, residents of nearby Trepassey have been advised to evacuate. The intense conditions are attributed to a weather bomb sweeping across the province, exacerbating firefighting efforts.

Three fire crews are currently battling the blaze, but the high winds are making it nearly impossible to control the flames. Local authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and heed safety warnings as conditions continue to deteriorate.

This tragic event highlights the vulnerabilities communities face during extreme weather. The fire’s impact on local livelihoods is substantial, given the fish plant’s importance to the region’s economy and employment.

WHAT’S NEXT: Emergency services remain on high alert as they monitor the situation. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to download the CBC News app for real-time alerts and updates.

Stay tuned for more developing stories as this situation unfolds.