Firefighters were called out to a massive fire early Tuesday morning. Officials say they responded to a structure fire along Country Road 2 around 5:20 a.m.
When they arrived, they found at least two buildings on fire, a pickup truck and a tractor-trailer that was parked beside the barn. Chief Rob Serson with the Greater Napanee Fire Department says the fire was quite extensive.
Investigators say the fire was sparked by high winds that pulled hydro wires right off the barn.
“With the wind this morning, the initial barn fire, it did spread to one dry shed and also a tractor-trailer,” says Serson. “It was pushing smoke and fire across the road, hampering vehicles and our personnel.”
At some points, there were more than 25 firefighters on the scene. The temperature at the time of the blaze was near -20 C, with whipping winds. Chief Serson says these factors contributed to making it a difficult fire to knock down.
“The extreme cold temperature today is causing some problems. We are having some problems with things freezing up.”
No one was injured in the fire, but it took an hour-and-a-half for crews to extinguish the blaze. They’re expected to stay on site into the early afternoon, putting out hot spots.
A number of animals, including horses and cows, were also in the barn at the time, — they all escaped. The owners, who are thankful everyone is safe, say there is a silver lining though — they delivered a healthy baby calf amidst the commotion.
Damages are estimated at $500,000. A GoFundMe was launched to help the family who owned the farm.