A beloved family-run seasonal nursery Rooted by the River was hit by a sudden fire on the weekend.
Clearwater Fire Chief Mike Smith confirmed a structure fire was reported to dispatch by multiple 911 calls at approximately 1:10 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 at 56 Station Road in Clearwater.
“Upon arrival fire crews found the main building fully involved. There were 10 fire fighters and two trucks,” said Smith. “We knocked it down and stopped it from spreading further to the other greenhouses and the trees and plants they have in stock for sale. At this time the cause is still under investigation.”
Jeff and Andrea Lamond own the business and are trying to work around the set back to start their 2023 spring and summer season.
“We are around the nursery site now every day trying to salvage what plants we can, but we’ve lost approximately 70 per cent or more. We are trying to restock, but plants are not insurable and take time to grow, so we are having a tough go. The reality is that we are devastated,” Jeff Lamond told the Clearwater Times.
Lamond said they are determined to carry on.
“It’s going to be a tough year, but we will get through.”
On a social media post following the fire Lamond expressed the family’s gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received from the community.
“Thank you to all those that have offered help, we really appreciate it. We will be closed for the next day or so while we assess the damage, and try to salvage what we can. Fear not, we will have flowers for Mother’s Day and beyond, maybe just a few less!”
READ MORE: Wildfire at Pavilion sparks evacuation alert by Ts’kw’aylaxw First Nation
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