Botwood fire burns warehouse to the ground overnight
RCMP in scene investigating the cause of the devastating blaze
A fire that began overnight in Botwoodhasburneda large warehouse in the centre of townto the ground, with dozens of firefighters working throughout the night to battle the blaze.
"It's a total loss," said Fire Chief ShawnDalley, of the building on Water St., which stored building materials for a nearby business.
Crews were called to the scene around 12:15 a.m.
"It was a big fire. It became fully involved around 1 a.m.And given the sheer size of the structure, and the winds,and the weather conditions with the winds of course, that made it hard to battle," saidDalley.
Still flames 9 hours after the fire department was called. pic.twitter.com/esWZCNe9nj
—@ChrisEnsingCBC
Dalleysaid two neighbouring fire departments also responded, with a total of five pumper trucks and forty-five people working to fight the fire.
Firefighters were still extinguishing hot spots mid-morningFriday.
"Everybody is fine, a little bit tired. But no injuries," saidDalley.
Dalleycouldn't speculate as to the cause of the fire, or if it was suspicious in nature.
The RCMPin Grand Falls-Windsor said officers were on scene, and they will be investigating.
Nearby Memorial Academy was closed for the morning as a precaution.