Kitchener (ON) fire dispatch toned out Wellesley, St Clements, and Linwood for a barn fire at 4176 Lobsinger Line, April 29 at 17:51. St Clements reported a thermal column on route and requested St Jacobs’ tanker. The barn had had numerous additions over the years and measured approximately 200×50’ at the front, with a second section at the rear approximately 100×70’, and a third 50×50’ section added on to the middle section. The barn was mostly to the ground on arrival with a favorable strong wind blowing away from a large driving shed and harness making shop, and two large houses.

St Clements’ pump set up by the barn, running numerous lines around the structure, and feeding Wellesley’s aerial. A four-inch line was laid in from the road. The Wellesley pumper drafted from three port-a-tanks to feed St Clements’ pumper. Water was initially shuttled from nearby fire department cisterns, and then from a hydrant in St Clements. A number of cattle were removed from the barn before firefighters arrived.

170 pigs, 250 piglets, and 30 cows perished in the blaze. Damage has been set at $700,000. Box 690 provided rehab. Photos taken 35 minutes after dispatch.

Gary Dinkel, Box 690