Fire destroys well-known Cap-Pelé, N.B., restaurant and fish market

Firefighters from several communities were called to the Aboiteau Wharf Restaurant and fish market in Cap-Pelé, N.B., Sunday morning, but there wasn’t much left by early afternoon.

Cap-Acadie Fire Chief Ronald Cormier said he was the first one on the scene around 9 a.m.

“The smoke was coming out the roof. It was like a grey, blackish smoke. I think the fire started upstairs,” said Cormier.

There were no injuries in the fire, but the popular spot for both tourists and locals is a total loss.

“We tried to save the building, but we couldn’t save the building. There was too much smoke and too much heat. Everything collapsed. The steel roof collapsed inside, so we can’t send guys inside,” said Cormier. “We knew we didn’t have anybody inside the building so we fought the fire from the outside.”

The remains of a Cap-Pelé restaurant in N.B. is pictured here.

A devastating loss for the owners who were at the scene but didn’t want to speak.

It was loss for the community as well.

“Heartbreak,” said Mersiha Mackimmie. “A lot of people gathered there throughout the summer — tourists, locals. I think it’s going to be a big loss for community as a gathering spot.”

Therese Vautour said it’s devastating for the fishermen and the people who frequent the restaurant.

Fire crews try to put out the remains of a fire at a Cap-Pelé, N.B., restaurant.

“Everything is destroyed. It’s going to be a big loss for the village and for the fishermen and the fish market and everything. It was a great restaurant,” said Vautour.

Cormier said the wharf is a very busy place in the summer.

“Especially in the summer time. You had all the tourists. They would go to the beach and then after the beach they were going for lunch. So it’s a big loss. A real big loss,” said Cormier.

The provincial fire marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire, but Cormier does not believe it is suspicious.

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