8:15 p.m. update:
Strong southeast winds fanned the flames destroying a barn, but also kept a fire at a Springwater Township farm from spreading to the nearby residence on Friday afternoon.
Firefighters from all four Springwater stations were called to the blaze at 2950 Old Second Road, about 10 minutes north of Barrie, at about noon and when they arrived there were several farm buildings on fire.
Interim Fire Chief Colin Shewell says it appears the fire started in a shed located about 50 feet away from the farmhouse. Flames quickly spread to a second building which was also destroyed. Two additional farm structures were damaged.
“Firefighters did an excellent job battling this fire in tough conditions today,” said Shewell. “The wind gusts were reaching 36 km/h and provided the right conditions for this fire to spread quickly.
"Using their training, firefighters were able to divert the fire away from the long standing family homestead and minimize the damage to property.”
Mutual aid was requested from the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Clearview, Essa, Tiny and the City of Barrie.
Approximately 40 firefighters were on scene battling the blaze and they also rescued personal items from a barn on the property.
Neighbours say one of the homeowners grew up on the farm, which has been in the family for more than a century.
There were no animals in the buildings, and no injuries were reported, Shewell said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation and Old Second Road remains closed in the area.
1:30 p.m. original story:
Several fire departments are battling a large fire that has engulfed multiple farm buildings in Springwater Township.
The call came in around noon, and according to the Springwater fire department there are four farm buildings on fire at 2950 Old Second Rd. S, between Pooles Road and Partridge Road.
Firefighters from Barrie, Clearview, Essa and Tiny are providing mutual aid and pumper trucks are transporting water from Midhurst to the scene.
More details to come.
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