At least 20 to 30 milking cows were killed in a blaze that destroyed a modernized dairy facility on 9th Line Amaranth known as Bovino Farms.
According to Grand Valley Fire Chief Kevin McNeilly the call came in around 11:23 p.m. Friday night.
“When we arrived it was fully engulfed,” he told The Banner.
Firefighters from Orangeville, Shelburne and Hillsburgh were then called in to help battle the raging fire.
Farm staff could be seen trying to lure cows out of the barn as 60 foot flames shot into the night sky but cows generally run back into milking barns out of habit, even in a fire.
“For every five cows that came out, three would run back in,” McNeilly said.
It took firefighters about two hours to bring the raging blaze under control.
The barn is estimated to be four to five years old and described by McNeilly as a modern automated milking facility.
Firefighters and barn staff were able to save about 100 cows and 30 calves before the roof started to collapse. At least 16 veal pens were located mere feet from the inferno.
Firefighters cleared the scene at 12:30 p.m. Saturday and three Fire Marshal’s Office investigators are interviewing barn staff and collecting evidence in an effort to determine what started the blaze.
There are no reports of injuries to barn staff or firefighters.
Damages is estimated at $2 million.
“It’s tough on firefighters. It’s these types of things we are trying to avoid,” said McNeilly.
Source: Orangville Banner
