EASTERN ONTARIO: Dairy barn fire destroys barn, kills 60 cows

QUINTE WEST — A barn destroyed, 60 of 80 cows dead and an uncertain future. Those are the stark realities facing the Suurdt family at Quinte West after a blazing fire tore through their dairy barn on Aug. 27.

About 40 firefighters battled the blaze and did their best to rescue cattle, though some ran back into the flaming barn.

When the ash had settled, the barn was a goner. Three tractors and two silos had been destroyed. Damage was estimated at over $1 million. It was a devastating toll for young parents with two children and a third on the way.
Trenton-area resident Grace Bayliss organized an fundraiser through Gofundme for the family.

“This family has been farming for three generations and this has absolutely destroyed their livelihood,” Bayliss said. “The farm will need to be completely rebuilt. This money is meant to help with those and any other interim costs the Suurdts face.”

With a goal of $1,000, it was just shy of $5,000 by Sept. 1.

Added Bayliss: “Tiana and Maurice are some of the kindest people you will ever meet. They are always there for their friends and family in their time of need.”