Shuniah (May 12, 2018) – At approximately 7:30pm on Friday, May 11, 2018, Shuniah Fire & Emergency Services (SFES) responded to reports of a barn fire in the 500 block of Copenhagen Road in the Municipality of Shuniah.

Responding units reported heavy smoke visible in the distance and initiated a second alarm and requested mutual aid of East Gorham Fire Department.

Upon arrival, fire crews reported a fully involved barn fire in close proximity of a residential dwelling and fire extension into the bush and several spot fires in the nearby grass. Fire crews quickly extinguished the growing bush fire and protected structure exposures from fire spread.

The fire was declared under control at approximately 9:20pm and was fully extinguished at approximately 10:45pm.  The cause of the fire was determined to be sparks from a nearby open-air burn from the resident.

Thirteen SFES firefighters, seven East Gorham Firefighters, Ontario Provincial Police, and a Superior North EMS ambulance responded to the call.  All SFES units were back in service by 12:30am.

SFES would like to remind the public about the requirement of an open-air burn permit for all open-air burning, and that all conditions of the permit are required to be met to ensure the safety of those living and visiting our municipality.