Fire fighters deal with heavy smoke and flames at a large barn fire south of London, Ont, on Monday, February 1, 2016. (Gerry Dewan / CTV London)
Ontario Provincial Police have confirmed for CTV News that more than 80 dairy cows have perished following a morning barn fire in Elgin County.
According to Sargeant Troy Carlson about 100 cows were believed to be in the barn and about 15 made it out. An early damage estimate is set at $1.5-million.
Fire crews remain on the scene of the large barn fire at Prikken Farm LTD located across from the old Ford Factory on Sunset Drive in Elgin County.
Southwold Fire Chief Gary Wilson said that tightly packed hay bails are tough to put out, and could take all day or longer.
The location is just past the point where Colonel Talbot Road turns into Sunset Drive.
Crews responded to the fire shortly before 8 a.m. after several calls came in reporting the large blaze.
A column of smoke could be seen from the 401 and crews were forced to take defensive positions as the large structure was engulfed in flames.
Several cows could be seen on the property with workers herding them back from the fire.
Neighbours told CTV News that the owner of the farm was planning to head south on a vacation but had not left yet.
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time.
Source: CTVnews
