A fire at a barn in Norfolk County has caused more than a quarter-million dollars in damage.
The fire broke out Saturday afternoon on the 8th Concession Road of Townsend.
“Once OPP had confirmed there was no risk to life, the command officer made the decision not to send firefighters into the building because the structural integrity was questionable at that point. Firefighters employed a defensive attack mode in which they fought the fire from the outside of the building,” Norfolk County fire prevention officer Michael Atkins said.
Officials say there were three dogs inside the barn, but they were rescued by a passerby who noticed the heavy smoke coming from the rear of the building and called 911.
Since there were no hydrants in the area, firefighters set up a water supply operation using tanker trucks to shuttle water to the scene, but they were unable to save the building, and an excavator had to be brought in to assist.
The cause of the fire has not been determined but is not considered suspicious.
Damage to the barn and contents is estimated at $350,000.