Mulch spontaneously starts fire at Barrie lumber yard

Aerial spray to douse flames at Miller Lumber in Barrie, Ont. on Mon. May 4, 2026. (CTV News/Dave Sullivan)

A dangerous fire at a lumber yard at the western edge of Barrie occurred spontaneously.

“The fire did indeed come in as a grass fire (call); however, it was quickly determined it was a large mulch pile on the property that have spontaneously ignited,” said Jeff Kirk, director of fire and emergency services.

The fire happened at Miller Lumber on Dunlop Street West shortly after 6 p.m. on Monday.

Police closed Dunlop Street West between Miller Drive and County Road 27 for several hours while emergency crews are on scene.

Springwater Fire Service called in firefighters from both Barrie and Essa for assistance.

Approximately 50 firefighters were involved, including those who offered mutual aid from Tiny Fire Department and Clearview Fire Department offering coverage to stations with crews on scene.

Barrie Fire sent its aerial truck and water tanker to help extinguish the blaze.