Fire crews responded to a reported barn fire Thursday morning at 164 Point Abino Rd. N., but arrived to find an outbuilding on the property showing light smoke instead.
Fort Erie Fire and Emergency Services were dispatched to the scene at around 11 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that the blaze had been mostly extinguished by a male occupant of the property who suffered minimal burns, said fire Chief Chris Smith.
Niagara Emergency Medical Services paramedics treated the man on-site and did not need to transport him to the hospital.
What was left of the fire was contained and fully extinguished by crews. Fire inspectors remained at the scene to investigate, but are unable to elaborate on the cause of the fire.
Initial reports to emergency services described the structure as a barn, but Smith clarified it was an outbuilding on the property. All livestock and people on property were evacuated safely.
Officials noted that the emergency crews’ quick response helped ensure the fire was contained without spreading to other structures. The incident highlights the importance of community awareness in reporting fires promptly, they said.
Smith urged residents to regularly check that smoke alarms are fully charged and working, and to test them monthly.