A shelter-in-place warning has been lifted for Saint John as firefighters continue to work on an industrial fire on the waterfront that started more than 34 hours ago.
A pile of scrap metal was still burning at the American Iron and Metal recycling plant, but the fire that sent clouds of dangerous smoke over the New Brunswick port city on Thursday is under control.
In a statement, the city of Saint John said firefighters will continue to deal with any hot spots.
“Public Health continues to recommend that anyone who can see and smell smoke take necessary precautions, including wearing a mask,” the city said.
Firefighters began battling the flames at AIM on the west side at 1 a.m. Thursday, and Fire Chief Kevin Clifford said they had made good progress.
“Things are getting better,” he said. Information Tomorrow San Juan orOn Friday, “I think we’ll be on site for a while longer.”
Premier Blaine Higgs ordered an investigation into the fire and said AIM operations will not resume until the government better understands what happened.
AIM leases the scrapyard land from Port Saint John, and the land is federally owned. In a statement, the port said it supports the decision to suspend operations at AIM.
“Today we heard the frustration, disappointment and alarm of our community. What happened is unacceptable,” the port said in a statement.
“We are committed to working with the Province and our key stakeholders to ensure something like this does not happen again.”
Smoke from the fire prompted air quality warnings and a shelter-in-place advisory for all Saint John residents.
The big federal government’s air quality index is back to “low risk” for the entire city.
Clifford said crews are focusing on moving debris and putting out fire spots.
“We suspect it will be there for at least another day or two,” he said.
