England - Twelve cattle die in barn fire near Stratford
13.12.2019 168 views
About a dozen cattle died in a devastating barn fire Wednesday on Perth Road 108 near Amulree, a tiny hamlet about eight kilometres northeast of Stratford.
Firefighters from the Sebringville, Shakespeare and Milverton stations arrived at the scene of the blaze shortly after 10 a.m. At that point, the cattle barn was fully engulfed in flames, said James Marshall, the West Perth and Perth East fire prevention officer. By noon, only the barn’s stone foundation remained intact beneath charred and smoking lumber.
According to fire officials, the cattle barn was completely engulfed when they arrived on scene shortly after 10 a.m. Wednesday morning. By noon, only the structure’s stone foundation remained intact and an estimated 12 cattle had perished. Galen Simmons/The Beacon Herald/Postmedia Network
“At this point it’s a complete loss. I do know that most of the animals made it out, but my understanding is there’s approximately 12 left within the structure,” said Marshall, adding the barn had housed about 30 cattle.
As fire crews fought through high winds, blowing snow and frigid temperatures to keep the fire from spreading to neighbouring buildings, area farmers banded together to herd the surviving cattle away from the firefighters’ efforts.
“We’ve been aware where (the cattle are). There’s been good communication with the other farmers. There’s been a great response from surrounding farmers here helping,” Marshall said, “and they’re communicating with us as the animals are coming through and we’re just getting out of their way.
Farmers herd the surviving cattle into a livestock trailer at the front of the property. Galen Simmons/The Beacon Herald/Postmedia Network
“They’re startled and that’s fair. We can’t explain to (the cattle) what’s going on, so it’s just something we have to adjust our movements to.”
By about 1 p.m., the group of farmers had managed to herd the remaining cattle toward a livestock trailer, presumably to relocate the animals to a neighbouring barn.
Marshall said he expected firefighters to remain on scene for the remainder of the day to ensure the heavy winds didn’t reignite the fire.
“Right now we’re concentrating on protecting the other outbuildings and the residence,” Marshall said.
Marshall thanked the property owners for keeping the laneway clear of equipment and low-hanging branches, which allowed much easier access for fire trucks and other emergency vehicles.
“It certainly wasn’t an issue here, but we have had agricultural structure fires where we’ve had to lug everything in from the road because we can’t get our trucks right in,” he said.
Source - https://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com
