A major fire broke out on a property near the intersection of Rge. Rd. 14 and Twp. Rd. 334 just north of Olds Thursday afternoon, destroying the barn and its precious contents, which included an extensive car and tractor collection.
A major fire broke out on a property near the intersection of Rge. Rd. 14 and Twp. Rd. 334 just north of Olds Thursday afternoon, destroying the barn and its precious contents, which included an extensive car and tractor collection.
The total loss is estimated to be more than $3 million, including the barn structure. He had a collection of about 80 cars and tractors – including many antiques – as well as materials to fix them up.
Curtiss was at home around 3:30 p.m. when a passing gas worker noticed smoke and alerted him, he said.
At least four fire departments responded, including firefighters from Olds, Didsbury and Bowden. Police and ambulance were also called to the scene. Paramedics confirmed there was no one in the barn at the time of the fire and no injuries.
As firefighters worked to control the blaze, fuel tanks could be heard exploding. Curtiss could only stand outside in the freezing cold and watch as the flames consumed the old dairy barn and his collection.
"My entire life is in there," he said.
