Saulnierville store target of robbery,fire

The RCMP identified a person of interest, last week, in the robbery and setting of a fire at a convenience store in Saulnierville Station in Digby County on Feb. 9.

Meteghan RCMP, local fire departments and EHS responded to the report of the fire at the convenience store on Saulnierville Road at approximately 1:20 p.m., said Cpl. Chris Marshall, public information officer for Nova Scotia RCMP.

“Upon arrival, police observed that the building was fully engulfed in flames. It was unknown if anyone was inside. Police spoke with the convenience store clerk and learned that no one was inside the building. Police also learned a man had entered the store, robbed it and then set it on fire,” said Cpl.

Marshall.

Volunteer fire departments from Little Brook, Meteghan and St. Bernard responded to the scene. It took about two hours to knock the fire down, said Michel LeBlanc, chief of the Little Brook Fire Department.

“We were very lucky to save it the way it was because by the time we got there, there was quite a bit of flames. They had time to knock it down which was really good,” said LeBlanc.

About 50 firefighters responded to the call and were on the scene for approximately three hours. Most of the fire damage was inside the building, said LeBlanc. No one was injured.

Cpl. Marshall said the investigation is ongoing.

A GoFundMe fundraiser – called Fire at Saulnierville Station Kwik Way – was started to help the owners of the store. It was started by their daughter Chelsea

Curran.

“Since owning the store, it has been open 365 days a year, always there for the community regardless of weather, holiday, life events, illness, etc.," Curran said in the GoFundMe post. "Feb

10, 2022, is the first time the store hasn't been open in at least 25 years."

The store has been owned by Curran's dad and stepmom for almost 30 years.

“They are humble, and would never ask for help from anyone, so I'm asking for them. I'm hoping that the community can rally together and help support them in their time of need,” said Curran.

“They see their customers as family and are always there for a chat, to help you find what you need, bring in nostalgic products, or things to meet your needs," she wrote. "Even if you can't donate, please share it and help out in any way you can.”