Barn destroyed in Melancthon fire, no animals or people injured

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Four fire departments responded to a large structure fire in Melancthon the destroyed a barn. 

Crews from Mulmur-Melancthon, Shelburne, Dundalk and Clearview responded to the call on 3rd Line, between 20th Sideroad and County Road 21, shortly before 8:30 a.m. last Thursday (Oct. 20). 

Thick black smoke and red flames could be seen over taking the barn structure while crews worked. 

Mulmur-Melancthon Fire Chief Mat Waterfield said the cause of the fire could not be determined due to the extent of the damage. 

“It's not suspicious at all, but again due to the extent of the damage it was a complete total loss,” said Chief Waterfield. “We're not able to determine the cause for the fire because we weren't able to investigate anything other than what's left there, which is the contents of the barn which is hay.” 

Dufferin OPP, who assisted on the call, said there were no injuries and that there was no livestock in the barn. 

The road remained closed for several hours with crews remaining at the scene of the fire until 9:30 p.m., when the property was turned back over to the homeowner.