Fire engulfs truss manufacturer in central P.E.I. town of Kensington

A company that manufactures trusses and other construction components in Kensington, P.E.I., caught fire Tuesday evening.

The fire at Valley Truss and Metal started around 5:15 p.m., Kensington Mayor Rowan Caseley told CBC News shortly before 6 p.m.

Smoke filled the sky as fire departments in Kensington, Summerside and New London responded to the blaze at 8 Park Rd. in the town about 15 kilometres northeast of Summerside.

Dozens of people from the surrounding area watched as the fire broke through the building's roof. There was no immediate word of any injuries.

Another view of the burning Valley Truss and Metal building, located next to a veterinarian clinic. (Tony Davis/CBC)

Kensington Police warned drivers to stay away from the location, saying Park Road was being shut down "until further notice." A Facebook post from the police force said all traffic coming into the town from Route 2 was being diverted to the Blue Shank Road, and vehicles entering through Victoria Street East were being sent to Woodleigh Drive.

Caseley told a CBC News reporter at the scene that he believes the building is totally destroyed.

"It's going to be a loss to the town. I think there's somewhere between 15 to 20 people employed there, which is going to be a loss."

According to its website, Valley Truss and Metal manufactures engineered floor and roof trusses for use in construction projects, among other items.

A longer view of the smoke emanating from a fire burning at Valley Truss and Metal, a manufacturer in Kensington, P.E.I. (Sumbitted/Rowan Casely)

Caseley said an employee told him the owners were expected to fly into P.E.I. Wednesday to assess the situation.

"We're certainly concerned about the loss of the business in town and we do hope they'll continue to stay here and continue to rebuild."