Source: Stephanie Tobin and Andrew Sampson, CBC News, April 11, 2016
State of emergency lifted and some people have returned to their homes
A fire at a fish plant in Bay de Verde that caused the evacuation of part of the eastern Newfoundland fishing community is out, but crews continue to keep a close eye out for hot spots.
Mayor Gerard Murphy announced on Monday evening that the state of emergency had been lifted.
He was optimistic that people might be able to return to their homes Monday night and a few did.
“The saving grace here … is that there has been no injury, and no loss of life,” he said.
A town official said the fire burned through the entire Quinlan Brothers plant, from the west to the east end.
The smoke was so intense that it could be seen in satellite imagery.
Fire crews from as far away as Bay Roberts, more than 90 kilometres south of Bay de Verde, were dispatched to the community on Monday.
In all, eight different fire departments helped battle the blaze throughout the day.
“They managed to contain the fire. It did not get outside the confines of the facility and to my knowledge there has been … no injuries reported and no loss of life.” said Murphy.
Hundreds of people in the harbour section of the town were forced to evacuate their homes early Monday morning.
It’s the first time Bay de Verde has had to use its emergency plan, and Murphy said it went smoothly.
Many of those forced out of the area are at the local elementary school or staying with relatives.
“Half of the [southern section of the community] has been evacuated, our emergency plan has been initiated and I have declared a state of emergency,” said Murphy.
He said southerly winds were gusting 40 to 60 km/h, and the “extremely large” ammonia tank in the facility was the biggest worry.
By 9 a.m., Murphy said he had asked the responding fire departments to retreat from the blaze, noting it was too dangerous.
But firefighters continued fighting the flames despite the mayor’s request.
“At one point I suggested the proximity of the fireman was a bit too hazardous, however I would not interfere with how they conducted the operations this morning,” he said.