Barn fire near Arthur kills cattle, collapses building
Fire officials say cattle have died following a barn fire near Arthur on Saturday afternoon.
In an email to CTV News, Wellington North Fire Services Deputy Chief Callise Loos said the barn housed about 300 beef cattle, and some cattle died, but it's too early to tell how many at this point.
Several stations responded to the fire around 4 p.m. on Line 12 between Sideroad 3 and Wellington Road 14 near Arthur.
No human injuries were reported to occupants or emergency personnel, Loos added.
Chris Harrow, director of fire services for Wellington North and Minto, said the barn could hold over 400 cattle.
According to Harrow, the loss could be significant, but the number of cattle that died is unknown at this time.
“We’re not sure how many got out, but we’re expecting it to be over 100 at least that perished in this fire,” Harrow said.
Harrow added that neighbours helped to get cattle out and to safety.
“We were called to smoke and possible flames coming from a barn, upon our arrival with our first crew out of the Mount Forest station we found the heavy smoke coming form the barn, and shortly thereafter the flames coming through the roof,” Harrow said
Officials believe the flames started in the hay loft. Within 10 minutes of their arrival, Harrow said the building collapsed in one corner, and shortly after that the entire building collapsed.
"Upon our arrival with our first crew at our Mount Forest station, we found the heavy smoke coming from the barn and shortly thereafter flames through the roof," he said. “We’re not sure at this time on the numbers that were lost.,”
Harrow estimates the cost in damages is set to be in the millions but could not provide a specific amount.
"So, we're going to be deeming it an accidental cause," he explained. "Thankful no injuries to residents or firefighters...so we're very fortunate that way."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
Trump election victory 'very unlikely,' but 'possible': former FBI director Comey
Former FBI director James Comey says while he believes former U.S. president Donald Trump "will be defeated" in the upcoming presidential election, he doesn’t think it’s a given.
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale
There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.
WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection
A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
2 children among 5 people hospitalized after head-on crash on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa's west end
Two young children and three adults were seriously injured in a major collision on Highway 417 between Palladium Drive and Carp Road in Ottawa's west end Friday afternoon.