Officials Urge Safety Precautions in Wake of Third Ontario Barn Fire

A third barn fire in Ontario, in less than two weeks, is prompting questions about the 20-year-old farm building code, which has not been updated since 1995.

On the night of January 15th, a barn in Georgetown burned down killing two cows. This follows the January 5th Puslinch fire at Classy Lane Stables and the January 14th fire at a private farm in Mount Forest.

At this time, the causes of each fire have not been determined.

Perth East & West Fire Chief Bill Hunter noted that new structures are being constructed under more stringent rules than were previously in effect. He said farmers need to consider instituting safety measures such as installing fire alarms and sprinkler systems, which, at this time, are still not mandatory, however.

Equine Guelph is urging barn owners to have their facilities inspected by a fire safety officer, at the very least. Contact your local fire station for more information. And read these safety tips from the Perth East Fire Department.

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