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Huge barn fire in Abbotsford

Flames raze two large barns on a Ross Road property early Wednesday morning.
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A massive barn fire near Ross Road and 58 St. in northwest Abbotsford razed a large 80x50-foot structure early Wednesday morning.


A woman who lived in a motor home next to two large barns escaped without injury early Wednesday morning after the structures caught fire.

The woman heard what she thought was the wind but when she looked out she saw sparks and flames, and fled.

"I thought it was a hell of a windstorm until I saw the light," the woman said on the scene.

Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service was called out just after 1:30 a.m. to the blaze at 6077 Ross Rd. in northwest Abbotsford. On arrival, crews found that two adjoining barns at the rear of the property were engulfed in flames.

Assistant Fire Chief Dave Rivett said power lines that extended to the back of the property were down, creating a hazard for firefighting crews. They also had to deal with strong, gusting winds, he said.

"A barn fire like this is really hard to fight just because it's over such a large area and just getting the lines laid out and getting a water supply. Protecting all the adjoining buildings is ... really tough," he said.

Firefighters were able to save the woman's home and a third barn, but the two other buildings were razed. Rivett said the two barns were empty, and the cause of the fire is not yet known.

"We're not really sure about the cause because the owner told us the only thing that was on in the barns was one lightbulb," he said.

Six fire engines and 30 firefighters battled the blaze, and crews worked throughout the night. The Abbotsford Police Department and B.C. Ambulance were also on scene.

Rivett said damage is estimated at $100,000.