About 200 cattle perish in weekend barn fire near Conn
WELLINGTON NORTH – About 200 cattle died in a barn fire south of Conn on Saturday afternoon and damages are estimated in the millions of dollars.
North Wellington Fire Services responded to the blaze, on 12th Line between Sideroad 3 and Wellington Road 14 south, on Aug. 26 at around 3:30pm.
Firefighters arrived to find the barn ablaze and smoke and flames visible from the second floor of the building.
The beef barn held approximately 300 head of cattle.
The farm owners got out safely and no injuries to them or fire personnel were reported.
Unfortunately, over 200 cattle perished in the fire, however.
“The building was a total collapse,” stated deputy chief Callise Loos in an email.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental in nature, starting in hay that had been piled in the barn.
Between the building and the lost cattle, damage is estimated to be between $2 million and $3 million.
Loos said approximately 60 firefighters responded to the call from eight stations, including Arthur, Mount Forest, Clifford, Harriston, Palmerston, Shelburne, Dundalk and Grand Valley, attended the blaze.
“Wellington North wishes to thank our neighbours for the support,” Loos said.
