Editor’s note: This story was updated at 2:14 p.m. Friday with new information from the North Glengarry deputy fire chief. The story was further updated at 1 p.m. Saturday with new information that six horses died, according to a friend of the property owner.
DALKEITH – A head of roughly 30-35 cattle and a half dozen horses have perished in an early morning barn fire near the northern border of North Glengarry.
Approximately 45-50 firefighters were at the property at 1215 D’Aoust Road around 3 a.m. Friday and were there until noon today (Friday).
They were supported by roughly 10-15 firefighters from Vankleek Hill, who also offered water tanker support.
D’Aoust Road is off the east end of Service Road, which is near the southern side of Highway 417. It’s northwest of Dalkeith.
Clouds of smoke could be seen as far away as Tannery Road to the west.
In an interview with Cornwall Newswatch, North Glengarry Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Roy says the building was fully involved by the time firefighters from Alexandria, Maxville and Apple Hill arrived on scene.
“A head (sic) of cattle inside, approximately 30 to 35 head of cattle, died as a result. They were suck inside the structure,” Roy told CNW.
Roy says the fire was brought quickly under control but the building collapsed and with hay inside made getting it completely out more difficult.
“Due to the old structure and collapse of it, it became problematic. Evacuation services had to be brought in and there was a lot of hay inside which, it kind of fueled the fire for quite some time,” he said.
The deputy chief says there were a number of other buildings close by but they weren’t damaged.
“There were multiple exposures at all sides. We were able to contain it with no further damage to any other structures. So we were able to contain it to the one structure. There were multiple barns in the vicinity…maybe 10 feet (3 meters) away,” Roy explained.
Roy says the fire is not considered suspicious at this time.
The deputy chief believes the building was insured because it was an active farming operation.
Amanda Gilmore, a friend of the property owner, told CNW via Facebook Messenger that six horses also died in the fire.
With the exception of the cows and horses dying, there were no other injuries.