Fire destroys grain elevator in Manitoba community
Residents near St. Jean Baptiste woke up to a dark column of smoke rising up into the fall sky Saturday morning.
An old grain elevator on Caron Street has burned down in the small southern Manitoba community. Emailers to CTV News have sent in photos and video of a completely destroyed structure.
An old grain elevator on Caron Street in St. Jean Baptiste went up in flames. (Source: Taylor Brock/CTV News)
One nearby resident said they were woken up by a fire alert at 4 a.m., and that people who live closer to the fire were evacuated.
Video posted to Facebook around 6 a.m. Saturday show volunteer firefighters tackling a well-involved blaze. The building looks to be a complete loss.
The grain elevator burns on Oct. 14, 2023. (Source: Taylor Brock/CTV News)
Eugene Fillion, chief of the town’s volunteer fire department has been on the ground since Saturday.
“My fire department came on scene with four members and they knew they couldn’t fight this fire,” he said, adding that the number quickly jumped to between 60 and 70 crew members from six neighbouring fire departments.
“I’ve been here for 38 years born and raised and this might be one of my biggest (fires). But the best part of it: nobody got hurt.”
The fire took place on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (Source: Taylor Brock/CTV News)
FIllion says the grain elevator contained cattle feed. While the cause of the fire is undetermined, when speaking to the owners, Fillion learned the staff made sure everything was shut off properly before leaving the facility.
“Everything was done to code. Unfortunately, something kilned it up and caught on fire,” he says.
Crews are expected to stay on the scene until at least Monday night to sift through scorched debris and extinguish any potential flare ups.
- with files from CTV's Alexandra Holyk
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Sparks fly as MPs question minister on pension implications of proposed election date change
Sparks flew at a parliamentary committee Thursday as MPs questioned Canada's democratic institutions minister about a widely opposed provision in electoral reform legislation that seeks to delay the next fixed election date by one week.
'There is no electricity': Canadian travellers in Cuba urge caution in hurricane's wake
Cuba's power grid was knocked out by Hurricane Rafael, which ripped across the country as a Category 3 storm. In western Cuba, it toppled buildings and pushed 50,000 people to find shelter elsewhere. Cubans were already enduring rolling blackouts due to energy shortages.
Three charged in One Direction singer Liam Payne's death
Three people have been charged in relation to One Direction singer Liam Payne's death in a fall from his Buenos Aires hotel balcony last month, Argentine authorities said on Thursday.
RCMP already 'on high alert' for potential wave of migrants after Trump election
Canada's federal police force has been preparing for months on a contingency plan for a potential massive influx of migrants across the border following Trump's promise of 'mass deportations' of millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
'There was no stopping this baby from coming': Woman gives birth while aboard Newfoundland ferry
A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.
Volkswagen models recalled for airbag safety precaution
Recall notices have been issued for some Volkswagen models from 2006 to 2019 for airbag safety issues.
Canmore wildlife and landscape defender Karsten Heuer dies peacefully at 56
Canmore conservationist Karsten Heuer, who was a biologist, park ranger, author and activist, has died.
America votes: How celebrities are reacting to Trump's decisive victory
Celebrities from Hulk Hogan to Ariana Grande are sharing their reactions to the U.S. election, which will see Donald Trump return to the White House.
3 Winnipeg police officers charged with breach of trust, theft
Three members of the Winnipeg Police Service have been charged with breach of trust, obstruction of justice and theft following a lengthy investigation