First it was a tornado that hit Markdale — now a fire has destroyed the plant of the communities largest employer.
The 150 year old Chapman’s Ice Cream plant has been destroyed by a fire that started around 10 o’clock this morning.
Firefighters from four local departments — Markdale, Flesherton, Meaford and Thornbury — remain on the scene this afternoon trying to put out the flames.
No one has been injured.
The company’s Vice President Ashley Chapman tells Bayshore Broadcasting News the fire was started by a welder’s spark as a crew was working on an expansion project at the old creamery building.
Chapman says all 200 staff on shift are accounted for and no one was hurt.
The OPP have evacuated about 60 nearby homes and residents have been taken to the Community Centre.
There is also a mandatory boil water order for residents on the Markdale water system.
Residents are also asked to reduce water consumption to aid firefighting efforts.
Grey Road 12 — or Main Street West in Markdale — is closed and traffic is being rerouted.
Black smoke continues to pour into the sky.
Maintenance worker Mike Hamilton says there was a loud bang as the fire started and it sounded like a firecracker.
He then looked up and saw flames engulf the entire ceiling.
Officials at Chapman’s Ice Cream have now cancelled all shifts at the plant.
Chapman says the company will be OK as they still have their distribution centre to fill ice cream orders.
He adds they will rebuild in Markdale.
A tornado also hit the community of Markdale on August 20th and caused two million dollars damage.
