Iconic D Dutchmen Dairy in Sicamous suffers devastating loss in overnight fire

“We quickly got some water on the some neighbouring structures really close to the fire. We had some other cow barns that we concentrated on, kept the fire out of them. We got the cows out of barn and out into the field and continued putting out the original structure fire.”

Allen said firefighters from the Malakwa and Swansea Point fire departments also responded to the blaze, the cause of which remains unknown at this time.

“They were a huge help,” Allen said. “They got on the east end of the barn and they were able to stop it from advancing. We were set up on the west side…and we were able to contain it to the original barn that lit on fire.”

Allen added he was quite familiar with the D Dutchmen Dairy property, and noted the impacted structures were “an important part” of the operation.

“They just had it filled up with feed for the winter this past week,” he said. “They lost that and the feed that was still out there. They now have no place to put it. They’re going to be in a bit of a bind here until they get things figured out.”

In a statement posted to social media, D Dutchmen Dairy spoke of the loss to their business and of the animals killed in the blaze.

“Last night, our family experienced one of a farm [family’s] worst nightmares,” the post read.

“Worst of all, we lost our babies. Approximately 40 calves, six months and under. In the words of my mom, ‘my babies are gone. They are all gone.’ Our animals are not just a number, they are loved, they all have names. My son has hugged, kissed and pet them all.”

The Dewitt family, which operates D Dutchmen Dairy, also said they’re in a state of shock, and they’ve asked for privacy as they take stock of the losses.

“The Dewitt’s are great supporters of our community, and yeah, we’re all devastated and saddened, heartbroken,” Sicamous mayor Colleen Anderson said. “It’s hard to fathom, but we are all heartbroken as the dairy and the family is a big part of Sicamous and who we are.”

Located just off the Trans-Canada Highway, D Dutchmen Dairy is a popular roadside stop known for its ice cream and farm animals. It is temporarily closed and Anderson said the loss has left a deep impact on the community.

“D Dutchmen is known internationally and across Canada,” she said. “It’s an icon. It’s a location where the ice cream and the chocolate milk are talked about and buses stop and tourists flock to. They’re not only a big part of the business of Sicamous but a big part of the Sicamous family.”

“This community is shocked and saddened by what happened, but we will be resilient and we will come together and support them as a community.”

“The Dewitt family had been in Sicamous forever and they’re very well known and liked in this town,” Allen added. “It’s not only devastating for them, but that dairy is a big part of Sicamous itself.”

by Elora McCormack & Victor Kaisar

Iconic D Dutchmen Dairy in Sicamous suffers devastating loss in overnight fire

Our Community