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Heather Wright Photo
Firefighters pour water on what was left of the wooden barn on Petrolia Line. One firefighter was treated on the scene for signs of heat exhaustion Tuesday.

Petrolia firefighter taken to hospital with signs of heat exhaustion in Canada Day blaze

July 2, 2025

Heather Wright/The Independent

A Petrolia/North Enniskillen firefighter was taken to hospital with signs of heat exhaustion during a Canada Day blaze on Petrolia Line.

Five Lambton County fire departments battled a large barn fire on west of Petrolia.

Petrolia/North Enniskillen firefighters responded to the Petrolia Line farm first, around 8:30 pm and water trucks and crews from Brigden, Courtright, Oil Springs and Wyoming were called in to help. A large, old, wooden barn with several sheds attached in flames. The fire could be seen as far away as Mandaumin Road.

Firefighters stayed at the scene into the morning with four tanker trucks shuttling water to the site to keep up with the blaze.

Petrolia Fire Chief Rick Cousins said during the fire, one firefighter showed signs of heat exhaustion. The Petrolia SORT Team and paramedics on scene helped the firefighter who was transported to hospital for evaluation.

Cousins says he was “relieved and grateful” the firefighter was released just hours later with a clean bill of health.

It’s not clear what caused the fire yet. Cousins estimates the damage over $500,000. There were no animals in the buildings but there was some equipment, including tractors, lost in the blaze.

Flames shoot into the air
The fire, as seen off Fairweather Road. Grant Hibbert Photo
Firefighters pour water on what was left of the wooden barn on Petrolia Line.
Four tanker trucks were shutting water to the fire site
Firefighters pour water on what was left of the wooden barn on Petrolia Line.
Four tanker trucks were shutting water to the fire site

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