Hurricane-force winds and heavy rain hamper efforts as a major St. Mary’s fish plant burns to the ground, devastating the Newfoundland community.
Incident Overview
A major fish processing plant in St. Mary’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, was destroyed overnight after a fire rapidly consumed the structure during a severe storm. The blaze broke out late Tuesday, according to Mayor Steve Ryan, who was among the first to arrive on scene.
Location and Conditions
The plant, operated by St. Mary’s Bay Fisheries, was already heavily engulfed when fire crews arrived. The region is currently facing a powerful weather system delivering hurricane-force winds and driving rain, making firefighting efforts extremely dangerous. Meteorologists reported wind gusts at nearby Cape St. Mary’s reaching an estimated 172 km/h.
Emergency Response
Three fire departments responded in an attempt to control the blaze. However, the extreme winds accelerated the fire’s spread and limited their ability to get close to the building. Mayor Ryan noted that the structure had already sustained catastrophic damage before crews could begin suppression efforts.
Community Reaction
Residents are grieving the sudden loss. Placentia–St. Mary’s Liberal MHA Sherry Gambin-Walsh expressed emotional concern for those who depended on the plant for work. She said many community members were forced to watch their primary source of employment burn without any way to intervene.
Economic Impact
The plant has long been a central employer in St. Mary’s, supporting families and local businesses across the region. Its destruction raises immediate economic concerns, particularly as many seasonal and full-time workers now face uncertainty about their livelihoods.
Next Steps
Officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire, and an investigation is expected to begin once conditions stabilize. Local leadership says the immediate priority is supporting affected workers and ensuring safety as the community weathers the ongoing storm.
