Late Night Fire Claims Barn, Hay, Thousands In Equipment

(courtesy of Daniel Johnson)

Darren Doyle,Edmonson Voice
Local fire departments responded to a barn fire just before midnight last night (Monday 8/10) on Orchid Road in the Cedar Springs community. Officials said that when they arrived, the barn, owned by Charlie Tarter was fully engulfed.

Rocky Hill Fire Chief Trenton Sowders said there was approximately 2,000 square hay bales, along with 100 or so rolls of hay, all of which were lost. He also said the barn was full of various farm equipment and machinery. "They got one small tractor out just before we got there," he said. "Another tractor's rear tires were on fire, but we kept water on those tires long enough for someone to drive it out."

He said a neighbor, Randy Howard, suffered minor burns on the backs of his arms while trying to save equipment and was treated at the scene by Edmonson EMS.

Officials have no idea what caused the fire and there were reports of a rekindle this morning, and with the amount of hay and equipment in the barn, it's possible for the fire to smolder for a couple of days.

Assisting the Rocky Hill Fire Department was the Chalybeate VFD along with Edmonson EMS and the District 2 Constable.

Chief Sowders said he appreciates the support of the other local fire departments. "This was something that one department couldn't handle alone," he said. "We're thankful no one was seriously injured." The barn, hay, and most of the equipment was lost in the fire.

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