Burning hay bales keep crews on scene all night

Firefighters were still on the scene Tuesday morning after working all night on a fire that broke out in a Kinburn-area structure that housed 1,600 round bales of hay.

They were called to 3741 Dominion Springs Dr. near Kinburn Side Road by a 911 call at 2:23 p.m. on Monday.

Witnesses reported flames throughout the 20-foot by 100-foot structure and the first fire crews found it “fully involved.”

They immediately began organizing the water supply shuttles essential to fighting rural fires.

The fire was under control at 7:41 p.m. on Monday but “overhaul” operations continued through the night and were expected to continue all day Tuesday to eliminate any embers in the debris.

Firefighters were soaking the bails of hay and directing a pair of heavy equipment operators who spread water on surrounding fields to make sure the fire couldn’t spread.

Crews used only water because firefighting foam would have damaged crops on the farmer’s nearby fields.

Ottawa firefighters thanked their counterparts from Mississippi Mills, Almonte and Pakenham for pitching in with equipment and personnel.

What’s known as “mutual aid” between fire departments is not uncommon in fighting fires that break out in areas on the city’s fringes.

They also thanked paramedics, who “closely monitored” firefighters, and the Salvation Army, which helped with food and drink for them.

Fire crews periodically have to “rehab” with rest, rehydration and refuelling during a fire attack, with their safety a primary concern in high heat conditions, the fire department said.