A fire on Monday morning ravaged the primary structure of a fish processing plant in Cumberland County. The incident occurred at Aquashell Holdings Inc., a shellfish processing facility located in Wallace, N.S., along the Northumberland Strait. The fire was first reported just after 10 a.m., prompting the response of multiple fire departments, with approximately eight departments present at the scene during the peak of the blaze.
Tom Flynn, the chief of the Wallace District Volunteer Fire Department, highlighted the challenging firefighting conditions due to strong winds. The firefighting efforts mainly focused on defensive strategies to prevent the fire from spreading further, as the intensity resembled a “firestorm.” By Monday evening, the fire was brought under control, with crews addressing remaining hot spots.
Greg Herrett, the chief administrative officer of Cumberland County, mentioned that an area near the facility was evacuated as a precaution due to smoke concerns. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. Herrett expressed empathy for the residents affected by the evacuation, emphasizing the significance of Aquashell as a major local employer and acknowledging the impact of the incident, especially during this time of the year.
The evacuation zone encompassed residences and structures directly across from the processing plant, as confirmed by District councillor Kathy Redmond. She also noted that power outages affected the Wallace and Malagash areas during the firefighting operation, with a comfort center established at the Wallace fire hall. Nova Scotia Power reported around 460 homes and businesses without power by 2 p.m., which was later restored.
Redmond praised the community’s solidarity and the efforts of local volunteer firefighters, underlining the emotional impact of the incident on the close-knit village of Wallace. She expressed hope for the safety of all residents and their support for each other during this challenging time.
The community’s resilience and unity were evident in the face of adversity, with local support and care prevailing amidst the distress caused by the fire incident.