Fire crews battle barn blaze on Highway 23

Extended: Barn fire near Mitchell Firefighters battle a barn fire near Mitchell, Ont.

Perth County OPP closed Highway 23 on Monday due to a barn fire north of Mitchell.

Fire crews were dispatched to the scene between Line 39 and Line 42 at 6:40 a.m. Monday.

Officials say the farmer’s son noticed the blaze and called the Mitchell Fire Department.

Roughly 60 cattle and goats were in the barn at the time of the fire. It’s unknown how many animals perished, as some cattle got out.

Fire officials say two fire tanker trucks had to shuttle water from the closest hydrant, about  5kms away from the scene.

A cause and damage estimate is yet to be determined.

The highway was expected to reopen late Monday afternoon.