Fire engulfs truss manufacturer in central P.E.I. town of Kensington
Flames shot into the sky Tuesday evening as townspeople watched
A company that manufactures trusses and other construction components in Kensington, P.E.I., caught fire Tuesday evening.
The fire at Valley Truss and Metal started around 5:15 p.m., Kensington Mayor Rowan Caseley told CBC News shortly before 6 p.m.
Smoke filled the sky as fire departments in Kensington, Summerside and New London responded to the blaze at 8 Park Rd. in the town about 15 kilometres northeast of Summerside.
Dozens of people from the surrounding area watched as the fire broke through the building's roof. There was no immediate word of any injuries.
Kensington Police warned drivers to stay away from the location, saying Park Road was being shut down "until further notice." A Facebook post from the police force said all traffic coming into the town from Route 2 was being diverted to the Blue Shank Road, and vehicles entering through Victoria Street East were being sent to Woodleigh Drive.
Caseley told a CBC News reporter at the scene that he believes the building is totally destroyed.
It's going to be a loss to the town.— Kensington Mayor Rowan Caseley
"It's going to be a loss to the town."
According to its website, Valley Truss and Metal manufactures engineered floor and roof trusses for use in construction projects, among other items.
Caseley said an employee told him the owners were expected to fly into P.E.I. Wednesday to assess the situation.
"We're certainly concerned about the loss of the business in town and we do hope they'll continue to stay here and continue to rebuild."