Firefighters from across Norfolk County worked for more than five hours Friday night and Saturday morning to contain a large fire of about 2,000 discarded railway ties near Mabee’s Corners in Courtland.
Deputy Fire Chief James Robertson said the “significant outdoor fire” on Orange Hall Road involved intense flames and heavy smoke, with the danger of the fire spreading to nearby grass and brush.
“The incident was made more challenging by difficult access as the fire was located at the rear of a wooded property, far from the roadway,” Robertson said in a news release.
About 25 firefighters from the Courtland, Delhi, Langton, Fairground and Port Rowan fire stations responded to the blaze, working under difficult conditions to get the blaze under control and keep it from spreading to nearby properties.
Robertson reported no injuries and no structures were damaged.
Because of the density and volume of the burn, excavators were brought in to help move and separate the burning ties, letting the firefighters reach and extinguish deep-seated hot spots.
Robertson said firefighters used about 200,000 litres of water on the fire and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment has been notified as a precaution, due to concerns about the potential runoff of the contaminated water from the site.
The cause of the fire is yet undetermined and remains under investigation.
“Fighting a fire of this size, in a remote wooded area is no easy task,” said Robertson.
“Our crews faced difficult conditions, and their ability to adapt and respond safely is a testament to their training and resilience.”
He said the Norfolk County Fire Department commended all personnel and equipment operators for their dedication and teamwork during the complex response.
The department can be reached for fire prevention tips and resources at the Fire Prevention Bureau, 519-426-4115 weekdays, or by visiting www.norfolkcountyfire.ca.