Fire displaces 22, two businesses and community organizations

A fire in St. George put 22 people plus two community organizations and two businesses out of their homes on Sunday, January 4. The emergency call to Granite Court on Main Street came in shortly before 8 a.m., according to Eastern Charlotte Fire Rescue Chief Justin Johnston. The building, owned by the nonprofit Atlantic Baptist Housing, provides independent living seniors' apartments and also houses several community services.

"It started on the second floor, and it worked its way up to the third floor, so it took out two units on the second floor and three units on the third floor," Johnston says. In addition to Eastern Charlotte, fire crews and equipment came from Musquash, Deer Island and St. Andrews. Nobody was injured.

Electricity was already restored to the older, smaller part of the complex, which did not suffer damage, according to Johnston. A restoration company was on‑site, and Johnston understood that at least some tenants could return to their homes by the weekend in the newer and larger damaged section.

Atlantic Baptist Housing Chief Executive Officer Victor Shea states in a release, "All tenants were safely evacuated, and there were no injuries or fatalities. The building's established emergency and evacuation protocols were implemented promptly by our on‑site staff, Leslie Mitchell, working in coordination with local emergency responders."

The release expresses gratitude to the local fire department, Red Cross, Extra‑Mural and Eastern Charlotte representatives "who responded swiftly and compassionately" to the crisis, and for the "outpouring of care and support from the St. George community. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and we continue to support all the relevant authorities as that process continues."

Shea has reported that 12 residents would move back in by the end of the week while 10 others would remain in temporary housing while staff worked on a timeline for repairs. All residents had places to stay.

Aside from the residents, the fire displaced the St. George Area Food Bank and the Eastern Charlotte Association for Community Living plus Dr. Brown & Associates optometrist's office and VIVA NB Therapeutic Services, a private company offering services to preschool‑aged children with autism.

The food bank has found temporary quarters at the St. George Masonic Lodge Hall, while the Eastern Charlotte Association for Community Living, which supports about 30 people with disabilities, has relocated to St. Mark's Anglican Church. VIVA NB was looking for temporary space, ideally a location with two rooms.

Food bank president Tony Munn reports that donations began pouring in when news spread that the fire destroyed a large part of the group's stock. He estimates the loss at about $75,000.

A post on the food bank's Facebook page states, "A profound impact has been made on our community by the recent fire, yet it has also kindled an unbreakable spirit of resilience and generosity that defines us. To the countless individuals and organizations who have lent their support during this trying time, we offer our sincerest appreciation. The swift action of the fire department, combined with the selfless acts of those who helped relocate residents, the tireless efforts of the Extra Mural team and the Red Cross' initiatives, such as Cooke [Aquaculture] safely relocating our freezers, have collectively been a beacon of hope."

The group thanks "the collective efforts of Eastern Charlotte and neighboring communities. We're turning this setback into a chance for an even brighter future. Despite significant losses suffered by the food bank and community, our resolve remains steadfast, and with donations accepted through sgareafoodbank and CanadaHelps we will be ready to continue serving our clients. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone, and we are grateful for the countless acts of kindness shown by so many."

Mark Downey with Charlotte FM is expected to broadcast live from a food drive, organized by Hillary's Hope for Hunger, on Saturday, January 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. George Masonic Hall. Other fundraisers include a raffle to be drawn at the St. George Legion open mic on January 22, and an Eastern Charlotte Community Kitchen Inc. 50/50 to be drawn on February 14 with proceeds to help those displaced. The Eastern Charlotte Lions Club is accepting donations for the food bank, while St. George Elementary School plans a food drive. The Fundy Middle and High School boys' basketball and hockey teams plan to collect items at home games. The Anglican Parish of St. Andrews is asking for donations of President's Choice gift cards in any amount in support of the St. George Area Food Bank.

Fire claims victim

Another fire in Eastern Charlotte over the Christmas‑New Year's season ended much more sadly. Eastern Charlotte Fire Rescue and other emergency crews responded to a call to Second Falls, north of St. George, shortly before 8 a.m. on December 27, Johnston reports. They found a camper trailer ablaze and the body of one person inside. "I think he was living there full‑time," the fire chief states. The victim's name has not been released. The cause of this fire remains under investigation.