BARN DESTROYED
Biggest blaze since 2011 for Wellington firefighters
A barn was destroyed by a ‘scary’ fire and two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion in Abram-Village Saturday.
A barn was destroyed by a major blaze and two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion here Saturday.
The Wellington Fire Department received a call at 1:37 p.m. that a barn was burning.
“This was the biggest fire we’ve dealt with since the rink burnt down in 2011,” said Desmond Arsenault, communications officer with the department. “Fires this big are always a scary situation.”
The barn mainly stored hay, but there were some cattle inside and they were removed unharmed.
The local department sought aid from other area departments and crews from Alberton, O’Leary, Lennox Island, Tyne Valley, Miscouche and Summerside, resonded.
Approximately 50 firefighters poured more than 60,000 gallons of water on the blaze before they left the scene at 10 p.m.
After the eight-hour effort, the building was destroyed, but all nearby properties were unscathed.
“We don’t have fire hydrants like they do in Summerside,” said Arsenault. “Having enough water to fight this blaze was the challenge and that’s why so many forces were called in.”
The weather is believed to have played a factor.
Temperatures reached more than 30 C with high humidity, and Arsenault suspects the intense heat may have combusted the hay.
The provincial fire marshal is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
All of that heat made for dangerous conditions for firefighters.
Two firefighters were treated onsite by Island EMS for heat exhaustion. They recovered and did not need to go to hospital.
During the ordeal, many people from neighbouring communities went to the site to provide firefighters with food and water.
This isn’t the first time the community has stepped up to help when there is a fire, Arsenault said.
“They don’t know how much we appreciate it. After hours of being in the hot sun with all of our gear on, seeing people coming with cold water and snacks is great.”
Crews also had to be mindful of other buildings on the property, which included a new dairy barn and a century-old farmhouse.
A lot of the water used to fight the fire wasn’t for the burning barn, but to keep the other buildings and surroundings wet, said Arsenault.
Tony and Christine Myers owned the barn and couldn’t be reached for comment. It is believed they did have insurance.
The couple recently purchased the property after moving to the area from British Columbia.
The previous owners — Leo S. Arsenault and sons Jean-Guy and Gilles — who live nearby, were also on site to survey.
The farm was in their family for five generations before selling it to the Myers.