Massive fire kills 20,000 pigs in southern Ontario

A massive fire is believed to have killed at least 20,000 pigs in southern Ontario.

The Norfolk County Fire Department said that at around 6:45 a.m. on Tuesday, firefighters responded to a blaze on Highway 3.

“Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a fully involved hog barn, approximately 200,000 square feet in size,” officials said.

As of 10:30 a.m., eight stations, 40 firefighters, and 15 apparatus were at the scene still working to put out the blaze.

No people were injured, but officials said that it’s estimated at least 20,000 hogs died in the fire.

“The property owner is insured,” officials said.

“Due to active fire conditions, the investigation into the cause has not yet begun, but is not being treated as suspicious.”

Images from the scene show flames and a large plume of smoke rising from the barn.

The scene was still considered active as of 3 p.m.

People are being advised to avoid the area.

The county warned residents of poor air quality due to the blaze.

“Smoke from an ongoing structure fire on Highway 3 between Simcoe and Delhi is affecting air quality in parts of Simcoe,” Norfolk County officials said shortly before 1 p.m.

“Combined with the current heat and already poor air quality conditions, residents may notice increased smoke and haze in the area.”

Residents were encouraged to take steps to reduce exposure, such as keeping windows and doors closed, limiting time outdoors, and using air filtration if possible.

“Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing or other serious symptoms should seek medical attention,” officials said.

Images courtesy of the Norfolk County Fire Department