Barn fire at Scullion Farm claims dozens of cows

Feb 15, 2017

The fire broke out early Wednesday morning

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

A devastating barn fire at an Ontario family farm early Wednesday morning resulted in the loss of a number of cows.

Fire crews, including more than 30 firefighters and 15 fire trucks, responded to the blaze at Scullion Farm, located on Gréber Boulevard in Gatineau, Ont., just after midnight.

Approximately 200 cows were inside the barn at the time of the blaze. A total of 33 cows and 15 calves were lost in the fire.

The remaining three barns located on the property were not damaged.

The farm owners were able to rescue 139 cows housed inside and move them to safety.

One of the owners, Derek Scullion, told CTV Ottawa he believes the fire may have been caused by an electrical issue. No official cause has been released.

Scullion was made aware of the fire after someone saw the fire and notified him, reports CTV.

The estimated damage is unknown.

Video: How farmers are protecting the soil and our food security | DW Documentary

For a long time, soil was all but ignored. But for years, the valuable humus layer has been thinning. Farmers in Brandenburg are clearly feeling the effects of this on their sandy fields. Many are now taking steps to prepare their farms for the future.

Years of drought, record rainfall and failed harvests: we are becoming increasingly aware of how sensitively our environment reacts to extreme weather conditions. Farmers' livelihoods are at stake. So is the ability of consumers to afford food.

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