Flames erupted from a hog barn near Simcoe, Ont., on Tuesday as firefighters worked to control a fire that resulted in the death of at least 20,000 hogs.
Norfolk County firefighters received an emergency call early Tuesday morning around 6:45 a. m. regarding a hog barn that was ablaze, covering roughly 200,000 square feet.
Around 40 firefighters are currently on site at the farm located between Simcoe and Dehli, as stated by Norfolk County deputy fire chief James Robertson on Tuesday.
“The property owner is insured. Due to active fire conditions, the investigation into the cause has not yet begun, but is not being treated as suspicious,” the statement read.
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Grand Erie Public Health is warning the public of poor air quality after a hog barn caught on fire in Simcoe, Ont. (Submitted by Norfolk County Fire Department)
Norfolk County Ontario Provincial Police are urging residents to steer clear of the area and be aware of emergency service vehicles present. Highway 3 is closed between Charlotteville East Quarter Line and Windham East Quarter Line Road, police reported.
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Poor air quality in area
Grand Erie Public Health issued a statement indicating that smoke from the fire is impacting air quality in parts of Simcoe. “Combined with the current heat and already poor air quality conditions, residents may notice increased smoke and haze in the area,” GEPH said. “The public may notice smoky conditions, including the smell of smoke, along with reduced visibility.” GEPH advises local residents to keep windows and doors shut to limit exposure during smoky conditions. They recommend reducing outdoor time, avoiding intense physical activities, and using air conditioning or air filtration when possible. If anyone experiences difficulty breathing or other concerning symptoms, they should seek medical assistance. The OPP and Norfolk County Fire Department will provide more updates as they become available.Source link
