WESTERN ONTARIO: Barn fire destroys 1,300 hogs, deals $1.5 million in damage

By Connor Lynch
KINCARDINE — A massive barn fire at Kincardine destroyed a large barn and the 1,300 hogs inside, though firefighters managed to save another nearby barn with another 1,300 hogs inside.

The blaze broke out just before midnight on Oct. 21, burning well into the next day at the farm on Hwy 9, east of Kincardine. The fire was fully engaged when firefighters arrived, said Kincardine Fire Chief Kent Padfield. Firefighters from three detachments responded, along with police, paramedics and Hydro One. All told, as many as 42 firefighters fought to keep the flames contained.

Of particular concern were the propane tanks between the two barns. They’re made to withstand heat and firefighters kept them from exploding, Padfield said. “They made us work pretty hard.”

The fire is not considered suspicious and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating. Given the scale of the fire and the estimated $1.5 million in damage, Padfield said he thought it best to call in investigators.