About 40 firefighters from various Prince Edward Island departments rushed to Murray Harbor Friday afternoon to battle a fire at the Machon’s Point Fishermen’s Cooperative.
Murray Harbor Fire Department Deputy Chief Alan Glover told CBC News the explosion was caused by propane tanks at the mechanic shop and ice-making facility.
No one was injured, Glover said.
He said the department received a call about the fire at 3:30 pm AT and requested assistance from the Belfast, Montague and Murray River fire departments.
The building was fully engulfed when they arrived, Glover said. The flames then reached propane tanks that were stored inside.
Part of the fish plant was on fire Friday afternoon. (Rebecca Pineau)
“There was an explosion that we heard from the campground. It was around 3:50,” said Rebecca Pineau, who is staying at the nearby Ocean Acres Campground.
People in the area say they could see smoke for miles.
Power was out in nearby communities as crews battled the blaze. Maritime Electric was reporting 1,356 homes without power at 5:10 p.m., but the number dropped to 15 shortly after.
The area’s Member of Parliament, Lawrence MacAulay, tweeted his sympathy for the workers at the plant, as well as the fishing boats that land the catch there.
Devastating news from Machon’s Point. Thankful there were no injuries. Thinking of all the employees and fishermen affected.https://t.co/Wb3n1BE00j
—@L_MacAulay
As of 6:00 p.m., firefighters continued to pour rubble and use heavy equipment to demolish what was left of the building.
The company was founded in 1987. In high season, 45 people work at the facility.