Heroic efforts save 130 of 140 cattle in barn fire

Darlene Wroe

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

TEMISKAMING SHORES - A fire in the early morning hours of May 8 destroyed a barn belonging to Hillside Farms located on Armstrong Street north of New Liskeard.

The barn is part of a complex of ten buildings purchased from the University of Guelph four years ago.

There were 140 head of cattle in the barn at the time of the fire. Ten head of cattle were lost but the remaining herd of 130 was saved by the actions of farm manager Chris Aitchison and six members of the OPP.

Herd manager Ben Belanger stated that Aitchison and six members of the Temiskaming OPP raced through the barn and opened gates, leading most of the herd to safety in the adjacent pastures.

"What Chris and six members of the OPP did was nothing short of heroic. Luckily, no one was hurt. Saving 130 of the 140 head of cattle was a miracle," said Belanger.

"Barns can be rebuilt, but you cannot replace people. We are grateful for the courageous efforts of the OPP and the fire department that contained the fire and ensured it didn't spread to nearby buildings."

The property has been used over 80 years as an experimental farm with an infamous herd of cattle dating back over 50 years.

"Our commitment to New Liskeard and this property and this herd is unwavering," said Belanger. "We plan to rebuild immediately as soon as the authorities give us the go-ahead.

"Having a cattle farm in the centre of New Liskeard will continue for years.

"The importance of this herd's genetics cannot be understated. Fifty years of the University of Guelph's genetic efforts were saved today, and we are so grateful that this herd will continue to flourish."

Darlene Wroe, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Temiskaming Speaker