FITZROY HARBOUR – Volunteer firefighters were out in the cold dark this morning (Jan. 19) fighting a barn fire just outside of Fitzroy Harbour.

At 2:39 a.m. nearby Ottawa Fire Station 62 in Fitzroy Harbour was alerted to a fire on Galetta Side Road between Carp and Homesteaders roads and was first on scene, although all available firefighters were called and other West Carleton based stations also responded.

“Ottawa fire dispatch received a 911 call at 2:39 a.m. saying a barn was on fire and it had also collapsed,” Ottawa Fire Service (OFS) public information officer Carson Tharris released in a statement this morning. “A working fire assignment was declared as the first crews arrived on scene and went to a defensive attack.”

No livestock was in the barn at the time of the fire and the structure was unoccupied. It took about an hour for firefighters to get the blaze under control.

“The fire was declared under control at 3:36 a.m.,” Tharris said. “There are no reported injuries at this time. An Ottawa Fire Investigator will not be required to attend for this incident.”

Tharris has tips for those who witness a fire.

“Call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so,” he said. “Remember, you are our eyes and ears to the emergency. Our Dispatch staff will ask questions to help best locate the incident and assess the conditions surrounding the emergency. We encourage you to remain calm, answer the Dispatcher’s questions and to stay on the line until advised to hang up. If pets are trapped inside your home, tell firefighters right away. Do not return inside to retrieve them. Once out, stay out.”