Firefighters faced multiple hazards during an early morning barn fire in Metcalfe.
At 12:44 a.m., Ottawa Fire Services Communications received a 9-1-1 call from a homeowner reporting that one of their large barns was on fire and that the flames were spreading to nearby barns in the 3000 block of 8th line Road.
Upon arrival, Firefighters confirmed that two barns were fully involved in fire and that crews would be operating in extreme heat conditions. As the incident occurred in an area without hydrants, tanker trucks were used to shuttle water from a nearby water source to support Firefighting operations.
Firefighters advanced multiple hose lines to attack the fire while simultaneously protecting nearby structures from the intense heat and flames. Embers carried by the wind ignited several small spot fires in surrounding hay and brush. A brush truck was dispatched to extinguish these fires and prevent further spread.
Crews faced several hazards throughout the incident, including downed live hydro wires, fuel tanks located adjacent to the barns, and structural collapses. An aerial ladder was deployed to provide an elevated attack on the fire.
The property owners were able to remove most of the animals from the barns before Firefighters arrived. Unfortunately, one horse and several chickens perished in the fire.
Firefighters successfully prevented the fire from spreading to nearby exposures, and the incident was declared under control at 2:06 a.m. An excavator was brought to the scene to assist with overhaul operations, allowing crews to access debris and extinguish remaining hot spots.
Firefighters protected the resident’s home and they will not be displaced. A total of three barns were lost in the fire.
A fire watch remains on scene to monitor for flare-ups and continue extinguishing hot spots.
An
@OttFire Investigator is on scene.
There were no civilian or Firefighter injuries reported.
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