The livelihoods of three South Glengarry families were wiped out Saturday in a massive barn fire that killed 134 dairy cattle.
The Sturkenboom patriarch, Gerrit, matriarch, Diana, and daughter Debbie stoically positioned themselves around the kitchen table around noon Monday.
“It’s going to be awhile before we make decisions,” Gerrit Sturkenboom said quietly, citing that insurance adjustors were planning to visit Monday afternoon.
The view from the kitchen window was a massive tangle of debris, still smoking in a couple of spots.
There is insurance to cover the cattle as well, but nothing can replace the attachment a farmer has for his herd, most of which were born on the farm.
The family instead focused on their humble appreciation to the community.
“The phone’s been ringing all morning,” Diana said, cracking a bit of a smile.
The Sturkenboom operation relied on a pipeline system, which requires a considerable amount of labour.
The value from the damage and loss of cattle is likely well above $1 million, Sturkenboom said, noting the average price to buy a cow is about $4,000.
Sturkenboom said there was nothing they could do when they spotted smoke coming out of the oldest part of the barn, the original section built before his family expanded the operation decades ago.
“It really went through it fast,” Debbie said.
What little time was left, allowed them and friends to get out 21 cows from the other end.
“It’s devastating for the family, involving three (families) working there,” said South Glengarry Fire Chief Vic Leroux.
“The farming community is grieving for sure,” Leroux said, reflecting on the loss of so many livestock at the well-known Sturkenboom farm with its long, trademark red barn on County Road 18, about one kilometre east of St. Raphael’s.
The surviving cattle are being housed at two Martintown area farms.
“There was a guy not long after it started who was on his cell phone (trying to locate a farm with surplus space),” Diana said.
The Sturkenboom’s have owned it since 1952 after Gerrit’s father arrived from Holland, eventually turning it over to his son in 1963.
There were no personal injuries.
Leroux threw as much resources as possible at keeping the blaze from spreading when the first of his crews arrived around 9 p.m.
Two of the farm’s five silos were saved.
He said there were at least 10 fire response vehicles from all five South Glengarry stations: about five tankers to provide an ongoing supply of water, and several pumpers and rescue vehicles.
“The whole crew was on scene well into the early morning,” said Leroux, describing it as the “worst” fire he’s encountered in some time.
The last fire crew monitoring for hot spots left at about 10 a.m. Sunday.
He said the cause of the fire is still unknown, but not suspicious.
“We’re very, very impressed (by the fire response),” Diana said.
“They were unbelievably fast and efficient at what they were doing.”
Source: StandardFreeholder.com