St. Mary’s Mayor Steve Ryan characterizes the recent events on Tuesday night as a convergence of unfortunate circumstances. He was the initial responder to a fire that razed the St. Mary’s Bay Fisheries plant, and the impact of the loss was still resonating with him hours later.
Ryan shared with CBC News that his upbringing revolved around the plant, as his parents had worked there for over three decades. The alarm for the fire was raised around 8:45 p.m. NT on Tuesday, and upon arrival, Ryan witnessed flames engulfing the structure, knowing within a short span that it was beyond salvaging.
Don Boyles, the chief of the Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department, acknowledged the enormity of the fire, stating that their resources were insufficient to combat it. Approximately 20 residents were evacuated to the town hall until the early morning hours, as confirmed by Ryan.
The fish plant, a significant local employer with over 300 workers from both the St. Mary’s area and beyond, was a crucial source of employment, particularly during peak seasons. The mayor emphasized the plant’s role in offering good-paying jobs and attracting a diverse workforce to the region.
The owners of the plant have not issued public statements post-fire, yet Ryan conveyed that they shared the same sense of devastation during their discussions. The RCMP is conducting an investigation to determine the fire’s cause amidst wind warnings for the Avalon Peninsula.
Despite the destruction, Ryan and Boyles expressed gratitude that there were no injuries and that the fire did not spread further. Ryan’s concern has now shifted to supporting the employees, especially as they approach the upcoming processing season in the spring.
Sherry Gambin-Walsh, the MHA for Placentia-St. Mary’s, expressed her hope for the plant’s reconstruction and emphasized the importance of assisting the employees, whose employment insurance may cease in the coming months.
Mayor Ryan and Mayor Verna Hayward of St. Vincent’s highlighted the challenges exacerbated by the power outage, which also affected cell service, hindering communication during the crisis. Hayward stressed the need for improved cell coverage in the area.
As of Wednesday morning, a significant number of residents were still without power, with efforts underway to restore it. Glenda Power of Newfoundland Power indicated potential uncertainties due to persisting high winds, urging caution.
The community faces challenges in the aftermath of the fire, emphasizing the need for support and communication improvements during emergencies.