A quiet Friday morning turned tense for Pure Anada Cosmetics when a fire broke out in their downtown Morden lab. But thanks to quick action and the proximity of first responders, what could have been a devastating event was swiftly contained.
Candace Grenier, owner and founder of Pure Anada, recalled the experience with honesty and grace.
“It started with something simple—melting cocoa butter,” she shared. But like any oil, it can quickly turn dangerous if left unattended even briefly.
That’s exactly what happened. A team member turned away for a moment, and a small oil fire erupted on the stovetop. While fire safety equipment was on hand—a blanket and extinguishers—not all of it functioned as it should. One extinguisher failed to go off, and the other needed maintenance.
“We’ve definitely learned to be more vigilant about checking our equipment,” Grenier said, reflecting on the experience.
Help came quickly
The Pure Anada team acted fast and called for help. Remarkably, Fire Chief Andy Thiessen and the Morden Fire and Rescue crew were already nearby and arrived within moments.
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“Our security cameras caught how fast the fire team was on the scene,” Grenier said, gratitude evident in her voice. “That was a relief. We’ve seen more tragic outcomes in our community, and we’re so thankful this wasn’t one of them.”
The fire was brought under control quickly. The damage, while not insignificant, was manageable—mainly some scorched drywall and structural studs behind the lab wall. Smoke lingered, and the store closed for the remainder of the day. But no one was injured, and no major equipment or inventory was lost.
A bit shaken
“We’re all a bit shaken, and the place smells smoky,” Grenier admitted, “but it could have been so much worse. We’re incredibly thankful everyone was there at the time and that help came so quickly.”
Grenier emphasized that the fire was a simple mistake—“something that could have happened to anyone,” she said—but one that reminded her of the vulnerability every small business carries.
“As a business owner, you think about how much time, effort, and product are inside these walls,” she said. “It’s sobering.”
Doors are open
Pure Anada in Morden reopened this morning, with a cleaning crew scheduled and repair plans already underway.
Though the fire may have caused a stir in the heart of downtown Morden, the real story is one of quick thinking, community protection, and resilience. And for Candace Grenier and her team, it’s another chapter in the journey of a business that remains committed to creating beauty—safely and thoughtfully.