A barn at the Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre just west of Napanee caught fire Friday morning around 11 a.m. Officials at the centre say two animals — a pig and a rabbit — were unable to escape the blaze.
All of the other animals at the rescue centre have accounted for. All of staff and volunteers are also safe.
Firefighters from Greater Napanee, Deseronto, and Stone Mills are on the scene, while the Napanee OPP has set up detour routes on Hwy 2. Police are requesting the public avoid the area until further notice. A news release from the OPP also indicated an investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, Sandy Pines put out a call via social media for donations of hay and straw to support its operations following the fire. Those offering to help can message Sandy Pines through Facebook or e-mail sandypines@gmail.com.
Stay tuned for further updates as they become available.
As of 1:15 p.m. clouds of smoke continue to drift over Sandy Pines Wild Life Centre while fire crews continue to bring in loads of water. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
-Staff