Community rallies behind Covered Bridge Potato Chips after devastating fire

The destruction of a potato chip factory in Waterville, N.B., has prompted a police investigation and an outpouring of support from community members devastated by the loss.

According to Sgt. Dan Sharpe, a New Brunswick RCMP spokesman, 20 to 30 people were in the factory during the blaze, which erupted around 6 p.m. on Friday, March 4, and were safely evacuated and no injuries have been reported. The fire triggered responses from several regional fire departments, with crews working until Saturday morning to control the flames.

However, the factory was destroyed by the fire. The RCMP and the New Brunswick Fire Marshal are now collaboratively investigating the cause.

Residents are already planning fundraisers and are buying products from Covered Bridge Potato Chips to support the factory’s owners. According to the chip company’s website, brothers Matt and Ryan Albright started the potato distribution company in 2004. In 2009, production began.

Known to the community as local farmers, residents say the Albrights have a big name in the region, and at least 100 employees were known to have worked there, according to a Canadian Press report.