‘Raging’ fire decimates barn on Christmas Day

One firefighter sustained a minor injury while battling a large barn fire that broke out Christmas Day.

Ottawa Fire Services said it received a 9-1-1 all shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 25. The caller reported “a raging barn fire across the street”, OFS said in a post on X.

Due to the severity of the flames, the caller reported that power lines were arcing. They said they were unsure whether there were animals inside the barn.

Firefighters quickly arrived in scene in the 6200 block of Fourth Line Rd in Rideau-Jock to find the large wooden barn fully engulfed in flames with heavy smoke emanating from the structure.

Crews advanced multiple hose lines and utilized tanker trucks to shuttle water from a nearby source as there were no fire hydrants in the area.

The property owners confirmed to firefighters that there were no cattle or other livestock in the barn.

While working to suppress the flames, a hydro line went down making the operation more risky.

OFS reported that, shortly before 4 p.m., the barn collapsed.

“A personnel accountability report was conducted immediately, confirming all firefighters were accounted for,” OFS said on X. “One firefighter sustained a minor injury while battling the fire and was transported to hospital.”

That firefighter was later released.

An excavator was brought to the scene to assist with moving debris. The fire was declared under control shortly after 5 p.m.

At this time, there has been no word on what may have started the fire.