A significant fire has damaged one of the largest employers on Grand Manan Island.
Island fire crews were called to Special K Fisheries sometime before 2 p.m. Monday, according to Mayor Bonnie Morse.
“Based on what I understand, it does look like it’s a significant loss of several buildings,” Morse said in an interview Monday evening.
Morse described Monday’s fire as a devastating loss for her community, which has a population of around 2,600 people
The fishery — which processes lobster and scallops, among other seafood — is one of the largest employers on the island, she said.
“Grand Manan’s economy is built on the traditional fishing and aquaculture industries. We make our living off the sea,” said Morse.
“Any time you lose an employer like that from the community or have a setback for an employer like that, it’s certainly a significant impact.”
Morse said the community came together throughout the day Monday to support one another and their firefighters.
“I’m seeing people are taking up food, they’ve got water. The community has just rallied. Whatever is needed up there, they’ve tried to come together and provide for them,” she said.
There are no reported injuries and no word yet on how the fire started.
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