(Clarence-Rockland,
Thursday, February 23, 2012) The Clarence- Rockland Fire Department responded to a fire at 1575 Joanisse Road,
home to Prudhomme Garage, during the noon hour.
A spokesperson for the Fire Department advised the Canaan Connexion that a passerby spotted smoke billowing out of the garage doors at that time and workers had evidently
left for lunch.
It is not know precidely what started the fire, and though the fire crew was able to save the structure, there was considerable
damage to the interior and contents of the garage, which included three vehicles. Early estimates put the damage
at around $200 thousand dollars. The fire was not considered suspicious and no one was injured.
Speaking to Marc Prudhomme, he advised us that before anything can be done, the insurance company
will have to go through with their inquiry. Looking on the positive side, he thought that one of the vehicles,
a small truck could be salvaged as could most of the tools and equipment.
He said that the inside of the building will have to be cleaned out and ceiling replaced but
he felt that he could be back in business one to two months. At the time of our visit, Rockland's Marc Bourbonnais
(Electric) was installing temporary lighting.
The Prudhomme Garage is a well-known business in the area and the loss will affect not only the family but many
local residents as well.
Click on the pictures below to enlarge. Photos - Patrick Meikle
(NOTE: The pictures simply do not show the blackened damage because the
camera flash brightens what you see. We needed the flash because the inside
of the garage was totally dark without the electricity. Alsoof note, after 15 minutes
inside, we had to air out our clothes because of the smell of smoke! - Editor)
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