Spud Smart wishes you happy holidays. And while you’re having a great time with your families and friends over the holidays, there may be moments, you’d like to take a break and escape with a bit of good reading. We are republishing some of our most read stories from 2024.
Editorial Note: On March 1, firefighters from several departments rushed to battle a fire at the Covered Bridge Chips Factory in Waterville, N.B. The business was launched by Matt and Ryan Albright in 2004 and has spread to markets all over North America, growing 500 acres of dark, russet potatoes year-round.
Multiple media outlets reported on a significant fire at the Covered Bridge Potato Chip factory in Hartland, New Brunswick on Friday, March 1. The blaze resulted in the destruction of the plant and had repercussions on nearby businesses.
According to CTV Atlantic, “Police spokesman Sgt. Dan Sharpe says the 20 to 30 people who were at the Covered Bridge Potato Chips factory when the blaze broke out evacuated safely, and no injuries have been reported.”
The article notes that multiple local fire departments reacted to the fire, which was reported around 6 p.m. on Friday. Crews remained on the scene, fighting the flames until Saturday morning.
NB Premier Blaine Higgs released a statement on the Government of New Brunswick website:
“Minister Turner, Minister Johnson, and I are saddened and deeply concerned about the fire that has destroyed the Covered Bridge Potato Chip facility in Hartland.
Our thoughts are with the employees, their families and members of the surrounding communities who will be affected by this heartbreaking loss.
This is a major employer in the region and a devastating loss for the company’s owners, their employees, and families. 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.
Our government is on the ground working with the company and we’re providing whatever assistance is available.”
Editor’s Note:
The staff at Spud Smart send our thought to the employees, their families and members of the community.
