Firefighters continue to battle a blaze that tore through a concrete plant in Roseau River early this morning, 65 kilometres southwest of Steinbach.

Matthew Reimer, the owner of Reimer Concrete and Building Supplies, says it was around 5:45 AM when he first heard that his business was on fire.

“I got a call this morning from the neighbor of the property here who said ‘Matthew your shop is burning!’ So we came down as quickly as possible and got here just before the fire department did.”

Emerson-Franklin Fire Chief Jeff French says his crew arrived on scene around 6:00 AM to find the building fully engulfed in flames. They immediately called on the St. Malo and Vita Fire Departments as well as the Altona water tanker for assistance.

“We have to bring our own water supplies to fires like these,” notes French who says that always makes the fight more challenging.

Though the fire is now under control, French expects the Emerson-Franklin team will remain on scene for the better part of the day extinguishing hot spots.

Meanwhile, Reimer, standing adjacent to his decimated building, says it is difficult to be hopeful.

“It looks like a complete loss,” he states, “the shop is completely burnt down and I’m nervous about how our insurance policy will stand up.”

During this dark time, Reimer asks his friends, family, and acquaintances for one simple thing. “You can remember us in your prayers,” he says, “you can drop by, you can give us a phone call, but mostly just remember us in your prayers.”

The cause of this fire has not yet been determined and the Office of the Fire Commissioner will be investigating.

French expects his crew will remain on scene for most of the day.