Firefighters were called to the fire at around 5 a.m. and by 9 a.m. the building, located at the intersection of Front Road and Main Road, was levelled.
Port au Port Regional Fire Chief Bill Abbott operates the business. Crews from that department, Cape St. George Fire Department and Stephenville Fire Department were on the scene.
The threat of explosions from several propane tanks outside the building kept traffic to and from the peninsula backed up for hours. It started moving shortly after 9 a.m., once it was determined the danger had subsided.
In addition to water from the pumper trucks, a line was also run into nearby Abbott’s Pond to help in the efforts to fight the fire, but nothing could be done to save the building.
In addition to the lower level that housed the Home Hardware line of tools and building materials, the upper level of the two-storey business had a craft and gift store.
Abbott & Haliburton was originally started in 1908, making it the oldest firm on the west coast of Newfoundland and that was still in operation.
