A devastating fire broke out in a cattle barn at Kloosterman Dairy near the County Road 27 and 20th Sideroad intersection Aug. 7. This blaze resulted in the death of more than 50 dairy cows.
“Before starting evening chores on Sunday afternoon, the Kloostermans discovered their dairy barn was in flames,” Thornton resident and fundraiser organizer Paul Partridge said on the page. “This farm is well cared for, and has been for four generations. They will rebuild, but there is a very long road ahead. The estimate is it may take up to two years to rebuild before the cows can return.”
Multiple farm buildings were damaged, including the large 300- to 400-foot-long, interconnected barn structure, and a shed that was storing straw and equipment. Embers from the blaze also started a grass fire across the road. Ontario’s Office of the Fire Marshal will not be investigating. The incident is not considered suspicious.
Damage is estimated at between $5 million and $6 million.
More than 30 crews from six separate fire departments — Adjala-Tosorontio, Barrie, Essa, Innisfil, New Tecumseth and Springwater — were called in to battle the blaze.
Many residents have already stepped up to assist the family, which has to this point declined requests for comment from Simcoe.com.
Two days after the fire, Essa Township released a statement, calling Sunday a “sad day for Essa as a part of our farming history was lost.”
“We thank all the businesses and residents who were kind to provide drinks and food to those fighting the fire in unbelievable hot temperatures,” Mayor Sandie Macdonald said. “We are blessed with all the help from our neighbouring municipalities, cities and afar.”
A GoFundMe page has been opened to support the Kloosterman family,To donate to the fundraiser, visit gofundme.com.
