Barn fire under investigation

Fire destroyed a barn on County Road 49 early Sunday. An investigation is under way. – Megan Hutton photo

An investigation is under way into a suspicious fire Sunday at a barn on County Road 49, north of Bethesda Road.

Officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Prince Edward detachment were called to assist with traffic control just after 2 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 8.

Prince Edward County firefighters knocked down the blaze and kept it from spreading further.

Cst. Kim Guthrie reports the cause of the fire is unknown, however, is considered to be suspicious. The Ontario Fire Marshall’s office has been notified and will attend the scene to assist in the investigation.

Megan Hutton was sad to see her late grandfather’s barn burn to the ground. She made the call to the fire department and was on the scene for a few hours sadly watching many great memories go up in flames.

“First off, I’d like to thank our Prince Edward County Fire Fighters for containing the fire. With the high winds, they fought to contain the blaze before it spread,” she said. “It’s awful to see something built by a loved one burn to the ground in front of you and knowing there is nothing you can do to stop it. I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who was on scene last night putting it out. God bless each one of you.”

“Witnesses advise a four-door sedan type vehicle beige or taupe in color was seen in the area several times prior to the blaze breaking out,” Cst. Guthrie said. “The barn did not house any animals and has been destroyed.”

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the OPP Communications Centre at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).