'We worked very hard for this place': N.S. meat processing plant destroyed in major fire
Despite the efforts of more than a 100 firefighters from four Nova Scotia counties, a longtime meat processing plant in East Hants went up in flames overnight Sunday.
The Rawdon Fire Department says it got the call about a commercial fire around 10:08 p.m. to the 4200 block of Nova Scotia Trunk 14 in Upper Rawdon, but the four-building complex was fully engulfed when they arrived.
Large fire coming out of roof and back," Rawdon Deputy Fire Chief James Robinson told CTV News.
"Right now, the fire's under investigation. Undetermined causes," he added.
Twenty-eight fire departments wound-up responding to help fight the flames, and successfully protected the other buildings in the yard, including a house, a barn and a recycling depot.
It took about four hours to get the fire under control.
The processing plant, though, was a complete loss as it was reduced to a pile of smouldering rubble.
Nobody was injured, including a flock of sheep grazing in a pasture behind the property.
Area residents tell CTV News the plant had operated for many years before it shut down.
It was purchased and reopened a couple of years ago by new owners, operating it as Scotian Meat Market Ltd.
Originally from Iraq, the owners' son says his parents are devastated by the loss.
"Not too well. We worked very hard for this place," said Adam Kasey.
"We've been renovating it for two years. We got our licence just in February. We got a licence as a red meat processing plant."
Business has been very good, said Kasey, confirming the family recently opened a storefront business in the Halifax area, but no decision has been made about rebuilding the plant on the site.
"Nothing right now," he said. "We're still sort of just trying to digest it."
Investigators could be seen climbing over portions of the rubble on Monday, looking for a possible cause.
Robinson agreed the fire is a significant hit for the area.
"I would say quite a substantial loss for the community. It's been here for a good many years," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.