CORKERY – Ottawa Fire Services (OFS)  are on the scene of a Corkery area utility log barn fire this afternoon (Sept. 18).

The OFS received multiple 911 calls around 2:24 p.m. today from eye-witness reports of “heavy black smoke visible from 3047 March Rd.

A working fire was declared at 2:30 p.m. and firefighters from Station 84 in Corkery were dispatched.

The barn was approximately 20 feet by 30 feet in size with road exposure to the side of the building.

“This was a defensive attack as the structure was ready to collapse from the fire,” OFS public information officer Jenn McNeely released in a statement this afternoon. “The structure was unoccupied. The fire was declared under control at 4:30 p.m. There are no reported injuries at this time. An Ottawa Fire Investigator has been dispatched to the scene to determine the cause.”

The OFS recommends witnesses to emergencies call 9-1-1 as soon as it is safe to do so.

“Remember, you are our eyes and ears to the emergency,” McNeely said. “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.”

Be safe when OFS crews are operating in your area. Best practice is to remain off the roads and at a safe distance from the fire scene or in your home.