Overnight fire destroys barn near Mitchell, Ont., dozens of pigs perish
Damage is estimated at $800,000 and officials are investigating the cause of a large overnight barn fire near Mitchell, Ont.
Emergency crews were called to the fully involved structure fire about 7 p.m. Tuesday on Perth Line 42, just west of Highway 23.
Once firefighters were on scene, the blaze had breached the roof, according to West Perth Fire Prevention Officer James Marshall.
“The structure was involved on the rear of the building,” he said. “It had breached through the roof and there was heavy smoke conditions blowing across the highway.”
Marshall said crews from seven area fire departments were on scene. The blaze took about five hours to put down. No one was hurt, but 22 pigs were lost.
“It was a very large fire,” said Marshall. “It had the potential to be twice as big. We brought in resources we needed to ensure we were out of there as quickly as possible and that as minimal damage was done at the building.”
The number of barn fires involving livestock in Ontario is trending down, according to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).The scene of a barn fire near Mitchell, Ont. as seen from the road, Jan. 18, 2022. (Bryan Bicknell / CTV News)OMAFRA West Region regional manager Dan Carlow tells CTV News that in the last 10 years, barn fires with loss of livestock averaged about 12 to 18 per year. That’s down from 24 to 36 in the decade prior. Carlow said there is now more focus on prevention.
“Now we’re seeing barns larger in structure with open air. Some of them with curtains instead of side walls. Less wood involved, so less material to burn,” says Carlow. “One thing that we’re seeing different is annual inspections. Fire prevention folks sometimes preview a barn and point out areas of risk and the producer can address those.”
And while insurance generally covers barn fires, Carlow said losses in livestock can still be devastating for farmers.
“The individual livestock that the farmer had raised and had become very attached to have now disappeared. Often times they’re losing genetics and it’s always hard to overcome,” he said.
In the meantime, investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the Mitchell area fire.
Marshall said it is not considered suspicious.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.