The Covered Bridge Potato Chips factory was destroyed by fire on March 1, near Hartland, New Brunswick. No injuries were reported among the 20 to 30 people in the building who evacuated safely about 6 pm.

The factory was built in 2009 by brothers Matt and Ryan Albright. About 100 people in the area work at the factory which has also become a tourism draw.

New Brunswick’s premier Blaine Higgs, along with minister of agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries Margaret Johnson issued a joint statement:

“This is a major employer in the region and a devastating loss for the company’s owners, their employees, and families. Covered Bridge, which started production in 2009, has been a tremendous presence in the community and has helped to boost the local economy as a growing business and a tourism draw.”

Source:  Government of New Brunswick March 2, 2024 news release