A fire ravaged the main structure of a fish processing plant in Cumberland County on Monday, causing significant damage. The incident occurred at Aquashell Holdings Inc., a shellfish processing facility located in Wallace, N.S., near the Northumberland Strait. Multiple fire departments swiftly responded to the blaze, which was reported just after 10 a.m., with approximately eight departments on-site at the peak of the emergency.
Tom Flynn, the chief of the Wallace District Volunteer Fire Department, mentioned that the firefighting operation faced challenges due to strong winds exacerbating the situation. Describing the intensity of the fire, Flynn characterized it as a “firestorm” that was difficult to contain. By Monday evening, the fire was largely under control, and crews were focusing on extinguishing remaining hot spots.
Greg Herrett, Cumberland County’s chief administrative officer, confirmed that a nearby area had to be evacuated due to smoke concerns, although fortunately, no injuries were reported. Herrett expressed sympathy for the affected individuals, acknowledging the significant impact on the community, especially considering Aquashell’s role as a major employer in the region.
The evacuation perimeter included residences and structures directly opposite the processing plant, as noted by Flynn. Additionally, District councillor Kathy Redmond highlighted that power had been cut off in the Wallace and Malagash areas to support firefighting efforts. She mentioned the establishment of a comfort center at the Wallace fire hall to assist those affected by the incident.
During the incident, approximately 460 homes and businesses experienced power outages, according to Nova Scotia Power’s outage map. However, power was later restored, alleviating the disruption. Redmond praised the communal support and solidarity during challenging times, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the community, where many residents actively participate as volunteer firefighters.
The incident in Wallace, N.S., drew attention and concern from neighboring areas, showcasing the resilience and unity prevalent within the community during crises.