An air quality advisory was issued and a handful of residents were temporarily evacuated from their homes in a northern New Brunswick city after a massive fire broke out a building supply warehouse. New Brunswick's provincial flag flies in Ottawa on Monday July 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS
A significant fire erupted over the weekend at a building supply warehouse in Bathurst, N.B., temporarily displacing more than 100 residents and prompting an air quality advisory due to thick smoke. The blaze, which ignited at an Eddy Group warehouse on Ste. Anne Street, led local authorities to urge caution and evacuate nearby homes. Bathurst spokesman Luc Foulem described the scene as daunting, with a massive plume of smoke dominating the sky. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
The Bathurst Fire Department issued an air quality advisory for the affected area, prompting the evacuation of approximately 100 residences. By Sunday afternoon, the air quality advisory was lifted, and firefighters continued to address lingering hot spots at the warehouse. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
The warehouse serves as the primary distribution center for Eddy Group in the province, employing around 50 to 70 individuals. Foulem estimated the losses to be substantial, both in terms of structural damage and inventory.
Videos capturing the blaze depict intense flames and a dense cloud of black smoke saturating the air. The City of Bathurst swiftly organized a shelter at a local community gym for displaced residents, although it was later closed as residents either returned home or found alternative accommodations.
Mayor Kim Chamberlain reassured residents through a Facebook video statement, announcing the reopening of the gym for those seeking refuge from the ongoing fire aftermath. She emphasized the community's readiness to assist anyone experiencing respiratory issues or discomfort due to air quality concerns.
