A massive fire engulfed Saint-Simon Church, considered the largest wooden church in New Brunswick, early Monday morning. Firefighters were alerted to a fire alarm in the Acadian Peninsula community around 3:30 a.m. The Caraquet Fire Department Chief, Luc Dugas, expressed concerns upon receiving the alarm, suspecting it to be a real emergency due to the unusual nature of the situation.
The fire, now under investigation by the RCMP and the Office of the Fire Marshal, did not result in any injuries. Chief Dugas suggested the fire’s origin was suspicious, pointing to the possibility of deliberate ignition based on its location. Motion detectors indicated movement inside the church before the flames quickly spread through the building.
Saint-Simon Church, a century-old landmark in Caraquet, was a significant gathering place for the local community. The destruction of the church deeply saddened residents, with many recalling personal milestones celebrated within its walls. Mayor Bernard Theriault described the loss as a tragedy, highlighting the church’s historical and cultural significance to the region.
Multiple fire departments battled the intense blaze, which also damaged neighboring homes. Despite the devastation, the Bishop of the Diocese of Bathurst confirmed the church was insured but emphasized the immediate focus on community well-being before considering any reconstruction efforts. The church’s symbolic value, representing generations of faith and community gatherings, adds to the sorrow felt by locals following this catastrophic event.