Ottawa firefighters faced a dramatic scene on Christmas Day as they worked to control a significant barn fire in the rural community of North Gower. The incident, which occurred on December 25, 2025, required a substantial response from Ottawa Fire Services to prevent the flames from spreading.
Christmas Day Emergency Call
Fire crews were dispatched to the location on December 25, 2025, after reports came in of a structure fully engulfed in flames. The call was received in the evening, with the first responders arriving to find the barn actively burning and described as "raging." The fire was reported at 7:07 PM EST, and updates were provided throughout the night, with the situation being updated as late as 1:09 PM EST on December 26.
Firefighting Efforts and Outcome
Firefighters engaged in an aggressive attack to contain and extinguish the blaze. Their efforts were successful in preventing the fire from spreading to nearby structures or land. A key piece of information that emerged during the response was the confirmation from officials that no animals were inside the barn at the time of the fire. This fact provided some relief amidst the destructive event. Ottawa Fire Services documented the incident, releasing a photo of the large barn fire near Kemptville.
Context and Aftermath
The Boxing Day fire in North Gower highlights the ongoing risks to rural and agricultural properties, especially during the winter season. While the cause of the fire is not specified in the initial report, the rapid and effective response by Ottawa Fire Services was crucial. The incident serves as a reminder for property owners to ensure fire safety measures are in place for outbuildings. The barn sustained significant damage, but thanks to the firefighters' work, a greater disaster was averted.
