Huge farm fire causes $1 million in damage
A massive, devastating fire has almost destroyed an Albion farm.The Dean Family homestead on Airport Road, south of King Road, lost three silos and seven other barns and buildings during the morning blaze Aug. 15.
The call came in at roughly 11:16 a.m. and Caledon Fire & Emergency Services personnel were dispatched to the fire at 13440 Airport Road. A rural structure fire response was dispatched consisting of apparatus from Caledon East, Valleywood and Bolton. Responding apparatus were advised that this incident had been upgraded to a barn fire.
Upon arrival fire fighters found a large family farm operation consisting of seven barns, one of which was fully involved in fire. Additional assistance was requested consisting of six extra Caledon pumpers, four extra Caledon tankers and two extra Brampton aerial trucks. Firefighters were initially advised that two children were not accounted for and a search was commenced. The children were eventually located having exited from the far side of a neighbouring barn.
The weather was hot and dry and there was a strong wind out of the northwest. The fire rapidly spread to four neighbouring barns and four neighbouring silos. A defensive fire attack was implemented that required the use of all available Caledon Fire resources. Due to the nature and intensity of this fire and the commitment of Town of Caledon equipment, the Erin, Orangeville, New Tecumseth, King and Brampton fire departments provided apparatus and personnel to cover Caledon fire stations and provided emergency coverage to Caledon for several hours.
According to Gary Jarrett of Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, the barns, used for hay storage, were fully engulfed when fire personnel arrived within minutes of the frantic 9-1-1 call. He estimated crews would be on scene for several days to ensure the fire was completely extinguished in all smoldering buildings.The called the loss to the 100-acre, 1830 homestead as "devastating."
Some 50 firefighters were on scene to get the fire under control.
Three firefighters suffered from heat related illness. They were treated at the scene by Peel EMS and retuned to duty later in the afternoon.
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| Firefighters worked tirelessly getting the fire under control, which began in this barn on the property. |
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Heavy equipment remained on scene and assisted in the removal of debris to support fire operations and the fire investigation.The cause is currently under investigation by the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office. A this stage, it's considered accidental, according to Jarrett.
While the buildings lost are valued at approximately $ 1,000,000, the house on the property was saved.
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| More than a dozen emergency vehicles lined Airport Road last week to contend with the farm fire. |
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