CANTON – Dozens of animals at the Maple Ridge Kennels, No Dogs Left Behind sanctuary, reportedly perished in an early morning (Oct. 24) fire at the kennel, 1734 State Highway 68, Canton.

A passerby spotted the flames around 1 a.m. and called 911. Canton Fire, Canton Rescue, and County Car 4 were dispatched  to the structure fire, according to First Assistant Chief Robert Crowe.

At 1:03 a.m. firefighter Wayne Stripp, who lives less than a mile away from the fire location, advised it was a confirmed working fire.

Chief Shawn McGregor then activated the tanker task force for that zone along with manpower from the Pierrepont Fire Department.

The tanker task force would bring tankers from Pierrepont Fire, West Potsdam Fire, Potsdam Fire, Pyrites Fire, and Russell Fire to the scene. 

Engine 7 was enroute at 1:05 a.m., arriving at the scene at 1:12 a.m.

Firefighters were met with heavy fire in the kennel building and unfortunately, due to the volume of fire, the animals housed in the building perished, Crowe reported.

It is unknown how many animals died in the blaze but an unconfirmed report indicated 40 or more dogs perished.

 The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the St. Lawrence County Fire Investigation Team.

There were no firefighter or civilian injuries. Thirteen Canton Fire members responded and all units were back in service at 6:11 a.m.