A volunteer service typically has members who have full-time jobs outside the fire service, meaning day-time calls can be difficult for them to respond to. (Nathalie Sturgeon/The Courier)

A seafood processing plant in Cape John, N.S., has been destroyed by fire.

Fire crews from Scotsburn, River John, Caribou, Wallace, West River, Abercrombie, Tatamagouche, and New Glasgow were called to the scene just before 9 p.m. Flames had already spread through the building by the time firefighters arrived.

Officials say the structure is a total loss, with only rubble and equipment remaining. The plant employed seasonal workers and processed seafood from more than a dozen local fishers.

The owner, who also operates a facility in Port La Tour, says he plans to rebuild and continue operations at the Cape John location.