Fire crews remain at the scene of a major fire at the Landings Pub and Eatery at the ferry dock in Portugal Cove St. Phillips.
The fire broke out at the local landmark around 7:00 this morning.
Flame can be seen licking through the roof of the structure and winds off the water are blowing huge plumes of thick smoke into the community.
Fire Chief Fred Hollett is advising anyone with breathing issues to leave the area for the time being.
“This is a health advisory, anyone with respiratory or breathing issues in the impacted area ought to consider leaving the area.”
The ferry is currently tied up at Bell Island and will not be sailing for the time being, but Hollett says emergency traffic will be moved through as necessary.
(VOCM News)
Restaurant and food processing facility a major employer
Area MHA Fred Hutton says the restaurant is a major employer and popular stop for residents and visitors alike.
He says the damage to the building, which includes a food processing facility, is extensive.
“The owner has spent a lot of money and time over the last couple of years getting that up and running, and they were producing locally-made foods. It’s not good.”
Another view showing the extent of the smoke enveloping the community (VOCM News)
Earlier story
Operations at the Portugal Cove ferry terminal are at a standstill as emergency crews deal with a significant structure fire in the area.
The blaze at the Landings Eatery and Pub broke out around 7:00 a.m. and crews are still actively battling flame licking up through the roof of the structure.
Both ferries are tied up for passenger traffic at this hour, however the fire department says emergency vehicles will be allowed through if needed.
Area MHA Fred Hutton, who is at the scene, says it is windy and there are a lot of flames and black smoke. He says an aerial truck with the St. John’s regional Fire Department is on the scene and is shooting water into the top of the building.
No injuries have been reported.
Fire Chief advising residents with breathing issues to leave for time beingFire Chief Fred Hollett says winds are blowing off the water pushing heavy smoke into the community.
He’s advising anyone with breathing issues to leave the area for the time being.
“This is a health advisory, anyone with respiratory or breathing issues in the impacted area ought to consider leaving the area.”
