A number of animals died in a structure fire east of Colborne on Monday, June 22, 2026.
At approximately 1 p.m., firefighters from the Cramahe Township Fire Department were dispatched to a reported barn fire on Union Road.
Cramahe Township Fire Chief Matt Halmasy said crews could see thick black smoke while responding to the scene, indicating the severity of the blaze before firefighters arrived.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the small barn fully engulfed in flames. Crews immediately began an aggressive attack on the fire, working quickly to bring the main body of the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading further.
The Brighton Fire Department was called in to assist with firefighting operations and provide water shuttle support due to the rural location of the incident.
Although firefighters were able to extinguish the fire relatively quickly, several small animals housed inside the structure were unable to escape and perished in the blaze.
Halmasy said the intense heat generated by the fire, ignited materials stored inside the two steel containers (commonly referred to as sea containers), requiring firefighters to extinguish additional hotspots and ensure the fire had not spread further.
Firefighters remained on scene conducting overhaul operations and checking for any remaining hot spots.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation and has not yet been determined.
However, Halmasy said a heat source used for the animals may have played a role.
“Because of the animals, there was a heat lamp in the barn,” said Halmasy. “It’s possible the heat lamp may have started the fire, or it could have been an electrical cord.”
No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported.
The investigation into the exact cause of the fire is continuing.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
