A fire at Aquashell Holdings Inc. in Wallace, Nova Scotia, on Dec. 8, 2025. Photo by Denise Patterson DarraghArticle contentThe Wallace Volunteer Fire Department was packed Monday afternoon with workers and local residents who fled a massive blaze at the community’s fish plant.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“High winds and snow, with everything freezing up,” said Michael Jameson, deputy chief of the department, of the blaze that began in the morning.Article contentArticle content“It’s a difficult fire.”Article contentJameson had just stopped at the hall before returning to fight the fire that had been brought under control by the combined efforts of volunteer departments from across northern Nova Scotia.Article contentArticle content A fire at Aquashell Holdings Inc. in Wallace, Nova Scotia, on Dec. 8, 2025. Photo by Denise Patterson DarraghArticle contentThe fire started as a blizzard raged along the north shore, with 80-kilometre-an-hour winds driving snow and knocking out power to the area.Article contentThe deep black smoke was funneled into the community, with some 50 area residents being evacuated.Article content“I saw the smoke coming from the plant and I got out,” said Richard Langille, who lives near the plant.Article content“Everybody here is chipping in. Everybody is safe, that’s the main thing.”Article content An onlooker watches a fire at Aquashell Holdings Inc. in Wallace, Nova Scotia, on Dec. 8, 2025. Photo by Aaron SearsArticle contentFire department auxiliaries from along the north shore made sandwiches, soups, coffee and tea for distribution at the Wallace Fire Department. which was activated as a warm-up shelter by the Cumberland County emergency management office.Article contentAllan Cole, director of emergency services for the Municipality of Cumberland County, was in an office at the hall co-ordinating agencies, the Red Cross and fire departments. Asked if he’d encountered a situation like this with a community partially evacuated, a large fire, power out and a blizzard, he responded, “Not here.”Article content A fire at Aquashell Holdings Inc. in Wallace, Nova Scotia, on Dec. 8, 2025. Photo by J Paul MartinArticle contentHe said that, if required. the fire department could be converted to an overnight shelter.Article contentCole said all the fish plant workers evacuated the structure safely.Article contentRoads remained blocked into Wallace as of 3 p.m. as firefighters continued their efforts.Article contentMore to come…Article content A fire at Aquashell Holdings Inc. in Wallace, Nova Scotia, on Dec. 8, 2025.Article contentArticle content Crews continue to douse the site of a fire at the fish plant in Wallace on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Photo by Aaron Beswick /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentArticle content What remains of the fish plant in Wallace following a fire on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Photo by Aaron Beswick /The Chronicle HeraldArticle content
‘Everybody is safe’ after massive fire rages through Wallace fish plant
