(INNISFIL, ON) – On May 6, 2026, at approximately 11:10 p.m., South Simcoe Police were notified of a barn fire on Innisfil Beach Road in the Town of Innisfil after smoke and signs of fire were observed inside the barn through security cameras. Concerned for the safety of the animals and the risk of catastrophic damage to the structure, the owner, who was away from the farm at the time, immediately contacted emergency services for assistance.
Police Constable Colin Niewels of the South Simcoe Police Service arrived on scene within minutes of receiving the call. Upon arrival, he observed a large amount of smoke emanating from the barn. Drawing on his experience growing up on a local farm and handling livestock, Constable Niewels entered the smoke-filled barn, located the source of the fire, and extinguished it before it could spread further through the structure.
Innisfil Fire and Emergency Services attended the scene and worked to clear smoke from the barn while extinguishing remaining flames surrounding the structure. Additionally, neighbouring farmers assisted with evacuating the animals from the barn as a precaution while emergency crews responded to the fire. Fire crews remained on scene to ventilate the structure and ensure there were no remaining hot spots. No foul play is suspected and the fire is deemed not suspicious.
Thanks to the rapid response, teamwork, and coordinated efforts of police, fire, and community members, all 45 sheep and 16 cattle were safely protected, and the fire was contained before causing catastrophic loss to the animals or the barn. The barn remained intact and there were no damages or injuries reported.
The South Simcoe Police Service commends Constable Colin Niewels for his quick thinking, courage, and decisive actions in protecting both the animals and property during this incident. The service also recognizes the prompt actions and coordinated response by Innisfil Fire and Emergency Services and the neighbouring farmers whose immediate assistance prevented a devastating loss.
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Media Contact: Samah Othman, Corporate Communications Specialist
Email: samah.othman@southsimcoepolice.ca