Fire destroys seafood processing plant in Cape John
A devastating fire ripped through a seafood processing plant in Cape John, N.S., on Wednesday night, leaving nothing but rubble in its wake. The Scotsburn fire Chief Tim Van Veen described the scene as his crew arrived shortly before 9 p.m., with flames already engulfing the structure. Fire departments from several neighboring areas including River John, Caribou, Wallace, West River, Abercrombie, Tatamagouche, and New Glasgow all responded to the blaze.
The deputy fire chief of the River John fire department, James Brown, highlighted the challenges faced by firefighters due to the presence of propane tanks and refrigerant gases inside the building. Despite their efforts to reach the attic, the unsafe condition of the floor forced them to retreat. The fire was finally extinguished around 3:30 a.m.
The business, known as Cape John Crabs and Seafood, owned by Jinhui Chen, suffered a major blow with the loss of the plant. Chen expressed his sadness at the situation, stating his intention to rebuild the facility as he still sees a future in the business. He also owns another seafood processing plant in Port La Tour.
Cynthia Bigney, who worked at the plant for two decades, was devastated to witness its destruction. She emphasized the plant’s long-standing history of supporting the local economy and providing employment opportunities. The loss of the plant will not only impact the employees but also the fishers who supplied seafood to the facility, creating uncertainty for the upcoming season.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the fire, plans for the future remain uncertain. Bigney reflected on the missed opportunities for the upcoming season as preparations for the reopening had already begun. The rebuilding process will not only involve physical reconstruction but also rebuilding trust with fishers who relied on the plant as a buyer for their product.
The resilience of the community shines through as they come together to support each other in the face of adversity. The road ahead may be challenging, but with determination and unity, Cape John Crabs and Seafood will rise from the ashes once again.
