A fire destroyed the Covered Bridge Potato Chips production facility in western New Brunswick on Friday.
Photos and video on social media showed flames and black smoke pouring from the building in Waterville, near Hartland.
By mid-evening Friday, photos appeared to show the entire building engulfed in flames.
Several fire departments from the surrounding were called in to battle the blaze.
New Brunswick RCMP posted on social media asking people to avoid the area.
There have been no reports of anyone being injured due to the fire.
According to its website, Covered Bridge Potato Chips is operated by the Albright family and began production in 2009.
The remains of the Covered Bridge Potato Chips facility in Waterville, N.B., after a fire on March 1, 2024. Image: Government of New Brunswick
Premier Blaine Higgs, Labour Minister Greg Turner, and local MLA Margaret Johnson issued a joint statement on Saturday.
The three said their thoughts are with the employees, their families and members of the surrounding communities who have been affected.
“This is a major employer in the region and a devastating loss for the company’s owners, their employees, and families,” said the statement.
“Covered Bridge, which started production in 2009, has been a tremendous presence in the community and has helped to boost the local economy as a growing business and a tourism draw.
“We are thankful that there have not been any reported injuries and grateful for the aid provided by local first responders who battled not only fire but also frigid temperatures.”
The province said it is on the ground working with the company and providing whatever assistance is available.
Liberal leader Susan Holt said the fire in Carleton County was “terrible news” and thanked first responders for their efforts.
“The thoughts of my team and I are with the Albright Family and their employees,” Holt said in a social media post.
Green Party leader David Coon described the fire as “a blow” to the Albright family, the workers, and the community of Hartland.
