A cigarette butt tossed out a car window is believed to be the cause of a massive fire at the historic Daly farm property on Opeongo Road on March 26th.
Jennifer Rumleski said she was at home when she first found out the family farm was up in flames.
“It started right at the road” said Rumleski “And it just took off. Its something that you never expect to happen”
Rumleski said the farm has been in the Daly family for generations, and her brother Jeff and family now live there. She says the ‘Daly Stopping Place’ was a well know property in the lumber baron days, also having been a post office, hotel and a bar.
While the Madawaska Valley and Killaloe fire departments arrived just in time to save the house, working for hours on the blaze, much was lost, including 4 vehicles and 6 buildings, many of which hold historic significance:
“One shed was for horses back in the logging days” explained Rumleski, “It was a stopping place along the Opeongo line, it’s actually mentioned in the book the Shantyman of Cache Lake” She said.
Rumleski said that she finds it hard to ask for help and has been overwhelmed by people’s generosity so far,
“There’s a lot of people out there that we’re very, very grateful for”
The cost of the damage is estimated to be $800,000. It was not insured as the family could not afford it.
For those who wish to help a go fund me has been set up for the Daly Farm Fire.
Also there will be an auction, fundraiser and dance on May 4th, if anyone has items to donate they can contact Patrick Daly who is a first cousin of Rumleski and the auctioneer at 1-613-633-1042.
A link to the Go Fund Me is here Fundraiser by Jennifer Rumleskie : Historic Family Farm Up In Flames (gofundme.com)
Fundraiser by Jennifer Rumleskie : Historic Family Farm Up In Flames (gofundme.com)