Firefighters in Maryhill, Conestogo and St. Jacobs were called out to a blaze that destroyed a barn near Breslau Nov. 15.
The barn on Woolwich/Guelph Townline Road caught fire about 1:45 p.m. Sunday afternoon.
The barn was fully engulfed when firefighters from Maryhill arrived on the scene, said district chief Kevin Karley.
Two outbuildings, one about six feet away and one about 20 feet from the barn, were at risk of catching fire.
“That’s where the efforts were concentrated,” Karley said.
The two outbuildings were saved, and the barn was largely empty at the time of the fire.
The 100-acre property is in the process of being sold. The fire was discovered by current owner Bruce Rathwell, who was working on another part of the farm when he saw smoke.
Firefighters suspect the blaze originated with a pickup truck parked behind the barn. The truck was left running, and firefighters believe some straw under the truck caught fire. When the owner returned to the spot, he found the truck on fire and flames leaping to the barn.
Firefighters were on the scene for seven hours making sure the blaze was under control. Around 40 men responded, and a tanker from Guelph was called in to assist.
Damage is estimated at $187,000.
