Norfolk County Fire Dept. photo, media release
A devastating barn fire west of Simcoe has claimed the lives of an estimated 20,000 hogs as firefighters continue battling the blaze on Tuesday.
Norfolk County Fire Department crews were called to a property on Highway 3 at approximately 6:45 a.m. after reports of a structure fire.
When firefighters arrived, they found a fully involved hog barn measuring roughly 200,000 square feet. What began as a response from three stations quickly grew into a large-scale operation.
As of Tuesday morning, firefighters from eight stations remained on scene with about 40 firefighters and 15 fire apparatus working to bring the fire under control in hot and humid conditions.
No injuries have been reported.
While the property owner is insured, fire officials said the loss of the animals is significant.
Because of ongoing fire conditions, investigators have not yet been able to determine what caused the blaze. However, officials said there is currently no indication that the fire is suspicious.
Fire suppression operations are expected to continue for several more hours.
Residents are being asked to avoid the area while emergency crews remain on scene and work safely to extinguish the fire.
