'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
Why drivers in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will see a gas price spike, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
McDonald's customers left with 'zero value' collection of free hot drink stickers after company ends program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Party's over: Coyotes play final game as Arizona franchise before move to Salt Lake City
Mullett Arena buzzed like few times in the two years since the Arizona Coyotes moved in, the fans amped for one last desert hurrah.