Massive barn fire kills almost 300 animals
MOUNT FOREST — A barn fire southeast of Mount Forest has claimed the lives of 250 goats, two horses and 20 rabbits.
Wellington North Fire Service was called to a farm on Sideroad 2 at 1:43 p.m. on Tuesday, where firefighters arrived to find the large barn fully involved.
“It was fully involved when we got there,” Wellington North Fire Chief Dave Guilbault said on Tuesday evening.
Guilbault said that there were two sections of the barn. One section was one storey, and the other two storeys. The fire was too large to try and save the barn.
“We had a two-storey home nearby that we were able to save from damage,” he said. “With the wind and conditions the way they were today, the fire spread very quickly.”
The fire claimed the lives of nearly 300 livestock. Guilbault said 250 goats, two horses and 20 rabbits perished in the fire. There were no injuries reported to any civilians or firefighters.
Guilbault estimated the damage to be $1.5 million and said that the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office has been notified.
“As the damage is in excess of $500,000, we are obligated to call the fire marshal,” said Guilbault. “The fire marshal is not going to be attending the scene, so we will begin our investigation as soon as possible.”
In addition to firefighters from Arthur and Mount Forest, crews from Dundalk, Grand Valley and Minto’s Harriston and Palmerston stations assisted in fighting the blaze.
Wellington County OPP and Guelph Wellington EMS were also on hand.
“Everyone did a great job, especially with the awful wind conditions. The weather played a major role today,” said Guilbault. “We’re thankful for our partners and the sharing of resources. Minto brought their aerial truck, which was especially useful.”
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.