Fire destroys abandoned barn just west of Aylmer

Malahide Fire Chief Brent Smith said a controlled burn that was allowed by a permit issued to the property owner turned into a fully engulfed fire in an abandoned barn behind the house located at 496 Talbot Street just west of Aylmer on Monday morning, Sept. 14. The abandoned barn was on the south side of the road on the property located immediately east of a closed variety store and a Tim Hortons. Aylmer firefighters were first called to the scene, also known as 48427 Talbot Line, shortly before 11 a.m. It was quickly discovered that the fire was in Malahide, not within Aylmer town limits, and Malahide firefighters then attended shortly after. While an open burn was allowed with the issue of the controlled burn permit, Chief Smith said that didn’t include having a barn catch on fire and be destroyed. No injuries were reported. Chief Smith said while no charges would be laid against the property owner, their burn permit would be revoked and another wouldn’t be issued to the same address.