The large structure fire that erupted at a business in Bathurst, New Brunswick, on Saturday night, leading to the evacuation of St. Anne Street residents, is still ongoing but has been contained, according to officials. In a Facebook update at 3:18 a.m. on Sunday, the City of Bathurst declared the temporary shelter, established at the City Hall Pavillion Gym, closed at 3 a.m. as conditions were deemed safe for residents to return to their homes, despite the fire’s persistence. However, the gym has subsequently reopened to the public. Bathurst Mayor Kim Chamberlain stated that the facility will remain accessible throughout Sunday for individuals concerned about their proximity to the fire. “If anybody is concerned with the quality of air, if you’re having a difficult time breathing, please let us know,” she said in a Sunday morning Facebook video, adding that local police would inform neighborhood residents of this option. An air quality advisory was issued by the city at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday for residents in the Western area of St. Anne Street, with potential implications for nearby areas like Parkwood Heights and South Tetagouche. “If you can, protect your indoor air from smoke by keeping windows and doors closed, and using a clean good quality air filter in your ventilation system,” advised the Bathurst Fire Department in a statement. “If you have an air conditioning system, ensure it is set to recirculation mode or close the outdoor intake damper.” The fire originated at an Eddy Group location, a building materials store specializing in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical supplies. The city’s fire department initially reported the incident at 9:56 p.m. on Saturday, urging people to avoid the area. Mayor Chamberlain mentioned that the community collaborated with the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization and the Canadian Red Cross during the evacuation. As of Sunday morning, there were no mandatory evacuation orders in place. The mayor advised residents to contact police with immediate fire-related safety concerns, emphasizing that updates would continue via the city’s social media channels. On Sunday morning, New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs shared a statement regarding the blaze on social media. “My thoughts this morning are with Bathurst residents who have been and continue to be affected by this fire,” Higgs wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Thank you to emergency crews, volunteers, and Mayor Kim Chamberlain for the tireless work you have given to serve your community and make sure people are safe.” Additional updates and information are expected as the situation continues to develop.
Bathurst Business Fire Under Control, Residents Return Home
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