Gulf Island Peat Moss is currently overseeing a waste pile of shavings that caught fire at its Foxley River site on Monday morning, as reported by a company spokesperson. The fire, which was initially 100 feet by 100 feet in size, was promptly contained by the Tyne Valley Fire Department. Responders were met with reduced visibility due to the high winds and significant smoke at the scene.
According to William Bishop, the fire chief, the emergency call was received around 8 a.m., and upon arrival, the firefighters worked to extinguish and disperse the fire. Bishop explained that the fire started spontaneously as the waste pile of shavings generated its own heat and ignition source, making it challenging to control.
Although the fire officials have left the area, the pile continues to smoulder, with the duration of the smouldering process being uncertain. Gulf Island Peat Moss has confirmed ongoing monitoring of the location. The Department of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action has been in communication with involved parties to address the situation.
Gulf Island Peat Moss, a subsidiary of Annapolis Valley Peat Moss Co. Ltd., possesses 1,000 hectares of land, including a four-kilometre shoreline along the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Notably, the company’s peat bog in western P.E.I. experienced a similar fire incident in the summer of 2024, which persisted for approximately three weeks.