Million-dollar barn fire caused by fireworks
A $1-million fire in Elgin County over the weekend is sparking debate over the use of fireworks on private property.
CTV News has learned that a massive fire on August 13, which destroyed a barn owned by a Central Elgin councillor, was caused by fireworks.
Central Elgin Fire Chief Ray Omerod said all it took was one firework element to set the barn ablaze.
“In what they assumed was a large, safe area, set it off. Set it off and inadvertently one of the, I’ll call it a flair, ended up going into the end of the barn where the hay bails were stored,” said Omerod.
The Southdale Line property where the fire took place is owned by local Counc. Norm Watson, who was holding a private gathering at the time.
Watson declined to do a formal interview with CTV News, but told us by phone that the “young person” who set off the fireworks is “remorseful.”
An undated file photo of Central Elgin councillor Norm Watson. (File)
According to municipal officials, Central Elgin’s fireworks bylaw dates back to 1969, and the former village of Port Stanley.
Officials said that in this case, no bylaw infraction occurred.
A notice on the Central Elgin website states, “You don’t need a permit to buy or use consumer fireworks on the following days: Victoria Day, Canada Day.” It also says to “make sure you are not close to houses, trees, cars, overhead wires, or dry grass.”
Flames shoot through the roof of a barn fire on South Southdale Line just outside St. Thomas, Ont. on Sunday, Aug 13, 2023. (Source: Brent Lale/CTV London)
Chief Omerod said the existing rules present challenges.
“The problem is, an individual purchases [fireworks] at that respective time, but does not detonate them on that prescribed weekend. And then they hold them until one night they feel they want to set them off, and it’s difficult for us to keep tabs on every single person,” he said.
Elgin OPP Const. Brett Phair said no charges have been laid at this time, but the incident remains under investigation.
“The person that was using the fireworks was given permission by the owner and then it was just an unfortunate incident that occurred,” said Const. Phair.
In the meantime, Chief Omerod and Mayor Andrew Sloan agree that the existing fireworks bylaw needs to be reviewed and modernized.
The existing fireworks bylaw from 1969. (File)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
'More aggressive': Tocchet shifts lineups as Canucks get ready to take on Oilers in Vancouver
As the Canucks prepare to take on the Oilers for Game 5, Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet is making changes to the team's lineup.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.