Firefighters in Norfolk County are working to control a huge fire that resulted in the loss of 20,000 pigs at a farm located just west of Simcoe.
Jul 14, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago •
Norfolk County firefighters are currently addressing a significant structure fire at a hog farm on Highway 3, situated just west of Simcoe, Ontario. The building, covering about four acres, has been completely destroyed, and at least 20,000 pigs have died as the fire continues to burn on Tuesday morning, July 14, 2026. Photo by NORFOLK COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT PHOTO /Submitted
Firefighters in Norfolk County are working to control a huge fire that resulted in the loss of 20,000 pigs at a farm located just west of Simcoe.
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“Smoke was noticed by (farm) staff at about 6:30 this morning,” said Norfolk County Deputy Fire Chief James Robertson. “This is a very large pig operation – the owners tell me it’s one of the biggest in the province. The building is somewhere around four acres in size.”
The Deputy Chief mentioned that the entire structure is completely lost and estimated that at least 20,000 pigs have died due to the fire. Thankfully, there have been no reported injuries among firefighters or farm personnel so far.
“Operations are still ongoing and this will be a long one for us. We’ve got 14 fire trucks and upwards of 50 firefighters (on scene),” Robertson told The Reformer around 10:30 a. m. Tuesday. “It’s not quite under control yet but we are getting close to that point.”
Norfolk County firefighters are at the scene of a massive structure fire at a hog farm on Highway 3 just west of Simcoe, Ontario. Photo by Norfolk County Fire Department
Robertson pointed out that the property owner is insured and while it’s too soon to determine what caused the fire, it’s not being treated as suspicious. The Ontario Fire Marshal has been informed but it’s unclear if they will respond.
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Highway 3 is closed between Charlotteville East Quarter Line and Windham East Quarter Line Road according to a social media update from Norfolk OPP Const. Andrew Gamble on Tuesday morning.
“Please avoid the area and watch for emergency services vehicles responding to and working at the scene,” he said. “We have fire trucks and emergency services personnel coming back and forth very regularly; please respect them and adhere to the road closure.”
Norfolk County released a statement on Tuesday indicating that due to current heat conditions and poor air quality linked with the smoke from this incident residents may notice reduced visibility along with smoke odors in their surroundings. Residents were advised to take precautions like keeping doors and windows shut as well as staying indoors.
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Norfolk County firefighters are at the scene of a massive structure fire at a hog farm on Highway 3 just west of Simcoe, Ontario. Photo by Norfolk County Fire Department
Robertson pointed out that the property owner is insured and while it’s too soon to determine what caused the fire, it’s not being treated as suspicious. The Ontario Fire Marshal has been informed but it’s unclear if they will respond.
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Highway 3 is closed between Charlotteville East Quarter Line and Windham East Quarter Line Road according to a social media update from Norfolk OPP Const. Andrew Gamble on Tuesday morning.
“Please avoid the area and watch for emergency services vehicles responding to and working at the scene,” he said. “We have fire trucks and emergency services personnel coming back and forth very regularly; please respect them and adhere to the road closure.”
Norfolk County released a statement on Tuesday indicating that due to current heat conditions and poor air quality linked with the smoke from this incident residents may notice reduced visibility along with smoke odors in their surroundings. Residents were advised to take precautions like keeping doors and windows shut as well as staying indoors.
bethompson
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