Photo | norfolkcountyfire.ca
Norfolk County firefighters worked through the night to contain a massive outdoor fire involving approximately 2,000 discarded railway ties on Orange Hall Road near Courtland. The blaze was reported around 9 p.m. on June 13, and quickly spread to nearby brush and grass, creating intense flames and thick smoke that could be seen from a distance.
Access challenges made the situation more difficult, as the fire was located at the rear of a wooded property, far from the nearest roadway. A total of 25 firefighters from Courtland, Delhi, Langton, Fairground, and Port Rowan stations battled the flames for over five hours, using nearly 200,000 litres of water. Excavators were brought in to separate and move the railway ties, helping crews reach and extinguish deep-seated hot spots.
No injuries or structural damage were reported. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment was notified as a precaution due to runoff concerns. The cause of the fire is undetermined and under investigation.
For fire prevention tips, visit norfolkcountyfire.ca or call 519-426-4115.
Written by Jeremy Hall