Barn destroyed by fire, south of Stayner

A barn fire south of Stayner was still smouldering today.

The fire started yesterday at about 5 p.m. at a farm on County Road 42 (Airport Road). Clearview Township Fire Chief Colin Shewell said the owner of the property, Doug Peacock, was in Stayner yesterday en route back to his house when he spotted the fire and called 911.

When firefighters arrived on scene, the fire was fully involved. Shewell said the heat was intense but crews were able to move two antique tractors that were near the building to safety.

The barn was used mainly for storage of personal effects and its contents were destroyed. There were no animals inside.

Shewell said there was no damage to any of the other buildings on the property.

He said the fire was contained to the barn’s foundation so they let it burn until about 9 p.m. and then extinguished it as best they could.

He said Deputy Fire Chief Roree Payment kept an eye on it most of the night before clearing the scene this morning.

Shewell said today’s rain has helped to contain the fire further but it will likely smoulder for a few days.

The barn was not insured. Shewell said it is the third fire this year that has been uninsured.

“As times are tough it is imperative that you keep the necessities, such as home insurance, renter’s insurance or content insurance because this can happen to anyone,” said Shewell.

All five Clearview stations responded to the fire and tankers were called in from Adjala-Tosorontio and Mulmur, through the Mutual Aid agreement, while Springwater provided backup.