St. Mary’s Mayor Steve Ryan reflects on the recent events as a convergence of unfortunate circumstances. He was the first responder at the St. Mary’s Bay Fisheries plant fire, a place where his parents had worked for decades, shaping their upbringing around the plant’s support. The fire was noticed around 8:45 p.m. NT on Tuesday, with Ryan witnessing flames engulfing the building rapidly.
Don Boyles, the chief of the Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department, acknowledged the fire’s uncontrollable scale, stating their limited resources prevented any meaningful intervention. Approximately 20 residents evacuated to the town hall as a precaution. The fish plant, a significant employer with over 300 workers, both local and international, faced a devastating blow as it was a key economic driver in the area.
The mayor emphasized the plant’s role in offering stable, well-paying employment opportunities, attracting a diverse workforce. Expressing shared devastation with the plant owners, Ryan highlighted the emotional toll on the workers, many of whom are like family. Authorities are investigating the fire’s cause, coinciding with severe winds hitting the region.
Despite the widespread damage, the relief that no injuries occurred was echoed by Ryan and Boyles. Plans are underway to assist affected employees ahead of the upcoming processing season. Local officials, including MHA Sherry Gambin-Walsh, emphasized the need for support and potential rebuilding efforts. Communication challenges arose during the crisis due to power outages, hindering community outreach efforts.
Amid ongoing wind warnings and flooding concerns on the Avalon Peninsula, efforts are focused on restoring power to affected areas. The community remains resilient despite the challenges, with hopes for recovery and rebuilding the impacted fish plant.