Firefighters work quickly to control blaze
A sprinkler system and the quick action of local fire departments limited fire damage at the Irving Juniper Organics peat operation in Juniper on Sunday night, Jan. 25.
“The fire started with the conveyor system that feeds the plant, brings things inside,” said Juniper Fire Chief Karl Brown.
Brown’s department was called out before 6 p.m. on Sunday and quickly requested backup, with mutual aid coming from the Glassville and Florenceville-Bristol fire departments.
“We had about 30 to 35 guys on scene,” said Brown.
When firefighters arrived, the building was full of smoke, but Brown said the plant’s fire suppression system prevented the fire from spreading.
“There was quite a lot of flames, but it didn’t get into the ceiling. If it hadn’t been for the sprinkler system, it would have been a lot worse,” said Brown.
The chief said it took about an hour to get the fire under control, but firefighters remained on scene until approximately 10 p.m., ensuring all smouldering peat moss was extinguished.
Brown said the damage was limited to the conveyor system area.
Anne McInerney is VP, Communications, with J.D. Irving Limited. She says they are unsure of the cause as yet.
“No one was on site at the time, and there were no injuries,” she told the River Valley Sun. “Of course, we are absolutely appreciative of the quick response of the fire crews.”
McInerney said the company will restart operations later Monday.
