MOUNT FOREST – A weekend barn fire in north Wellington County killed hundreds of cows and caused millions of dollars in estimated damages.
A press release from Wellington North Fire Service said over 200 cattle died in a barn fire on Saturday south of Conn and caused an estimated $2 million to $3 million in damages with the barn totally collapsing.
Wellington North Fire Service responded around 3:30 p.m. Saturday to a report of a barn fire at a rural residence south of Conn near Mount Forest.
“Upon arrival, there was heavy smoke and flames visible out of the second floor of the building,” the press release stated.
The building was a beef barn holding around 300 cows. The farm owners got out safely and no injuries were reported to them or fire personnel.
The cause of the fire was found to be accidental, starting in hay that had been piled in the barn.
Around 60 firefighters from eight stations including Arthur, Mount Forest, Clifford, Harriston, Palmerston, Shelburne, Dundalk and Grand Valley attended the scene.
