Kentville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Scott Hamilton said crews responded to a fire call at the Independent Grocer location on Main Street at about 4pm on Friday. Hamilton said firefighters found thick smoke around pillars at the front of the building. He said the fire went up one of the pillars in the roof. The store was closed for Canada Day. Hamilton said no injuries were reported, although two firefighters were taken to hospital due to the heat. They were later released. “As some of you know, we experienced a fire in the store yesterday and it will remain closed until further notice,” store officials said in a Facebook post. “We are devastated but thankful no one was injured. Thank you to all the fire departments that came to our aid and to our community for all your support.”
The fire is believed to be accidental
Authorities believe the fire was accidental and started after some shipyard work done earlier in the day nearby caused a small fire that spread unnoticed for a few hours. Hamilton said there is extensive damage to the front entrance and water damage to the main part of the store and the basement. About 80 firefighters responded to the scene, Hamilton said, including members from the Berwick, New Minas, Port Williams and Greenwich fire departments.
