Driving along the coast road after an enjoyable morning cruise I saw billowing smoke on the horizon. As I got near I saw a fire truck. The road was blocked. Other than turn round and take a detour there was nothing to do but wait. Or get out and take pictures. I did the latter. A five alarm fire was in progress. Fire trucks continued to arrive from seemingly everywhere.
I had arrived as the first fire truck was deploying fire hoses double time. Flames leapt out of the barn roof with nothing to stop them yet. I had no idea who or what might still be inside. A herd of about 50 stampeding cows appeared in the adjoining field. I took this to indicate this had been either their cow barn or milking shed. They were now safe in the field but understandably nervous, running from one side to the other and back just wanting to put distance between themselves and the burning barn. I hoped they were all out, along with anyone that had been tending them.
Firefighters quickly and skillfully got the blaze under control. The roof collapsed. That barn is gone, along presumably with the contents. I heard from trusted sources that no animals or humans had come to harm, for which I breathed a sigh of relief. It could have been so much worse. I had posted a driving advisory on social media to avoid the coast road for now, but no photos – I was mindful that someone may have been inside that inferno.
It’s been 24 hours since this fire. I am told only property was damaged. Though that is bad, property can be replaced. Farming is a hard life. Every day is a challenge. Rebuilding will be a bigger challenge. Not just the cost, but the time. Labour. Loss of revenue. Inconvenience (cows still have to be milked). My heart goes out to the owners. A long road is ahead.
