Saint John, New Brunswick, junkyard fire contained and shelter-in-place notice lifted: mayor – New Brunswick

The mayor of Saint John, New Brunswick, says a fire at a metal recycling plant has been brought under control and the citywide lockdown advisory is now lifted.

But Donna Reardon says it will be some time before the smoldering fire at America’s Iron & Metal recycling plant is put out.

She said the fire that broke out early Thursday morning was at its peak the size of three football fields and about three stories tall, adding that it left a pungent smell in the air.

Reardon says the fire department’s strategy is to break up the pile of scrap metal at the factory located in the city’s harbor and make sure the embers are extinguished.

She says the fire is “a real environmental disaster” and the city will soon begin focusing on cleanup.

Premier Blaine Higgs said a full investigation would be conducted and American Iron & Metal was ordered to submit a preliminary report within 24 hours of the fire.

The fire prompted authorities to warn residents across the city to stay indoors and close their windows, and Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for downtown Saint John , which was in effect until Thursday evening due to high pollution levels.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published September 15, 2023.