WELLINGTON NORTH - A fast-moving fire and high winds left firefighters helpless to save a large barn - and over 270 animals inside - near Mount Forest on Tuesday.
“When we arrived it was fully engulfed and through the roof,” said Wellington North Fire Chief Dave Guilbault.
He explained 250 goats, 20 rabbits and two horses perished in the fire, which caused about $1.5 million in damage.
“It’s very, very sad,” said Guilbault.
The department was called just before 2pm on Nov. 6 to the large barn fire on Sideroad 2 East near Concession 6, southeast of Mount Forest.
Firefighters from the Arthur and Mount Forest stations were aided by the Dundalk, Minto and Grand Valley departments, with about 35 firefighters in total on the scene and helping to transport water to the property.
“The wind is the biggest problem out here ... it spread pretty quick,” Guilbault told the Advertiser.
“The barn is completely destroyed.”
No firefighters or other people were injured during the blaze.
Firefighters fought the fire for close to two hours, but remained on the scene much longer looking for hot spots.
There was no damage to the large home on the property.
Guilbault said officials are not yet sure about the cause of the barn fire, because, “There’s so much damage and it’s such a large building.”
Guilbault noted the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office has been contacted but is not expected to attend the scene.
Link to original article in The Wellington Advertiser: Over 270 animals perish in massive barn fire near Mount Forest