Three other departments were already on the scene when ‘Busco crews arrived, but extra hands were needed to help remove a large amount of burning hay from the burnt out structure.

Churubusco units cleared the scene at approximately 9:30 PM. No injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation.

Churubusco fire crews help at a barn fire on Hiler Road just outside of Columbia City

Assistant Chief Wayne Krider arrived to find a large pole barn showing heavy smoke and some fire out of the east end of the structure and immediately requested assistance from LaOtto fire and soon thereafter Albion for manpower and water.

Crews found heavy smoke and heat inside the structure which was full of equipment and several dump trucks.

About an hour into the fire it was decided to bring up Columbia City Fire’s ladder 107 to assist with extinguishing the hot spots in the peak of the building.

Crews remained on the scene for several hours, no one was injured and the fire remains under investigation.

Because of the time of day, lack of manpower and the warm temperatures, fire departments from Jefferson Twp, Columbia City, Columbia Twp. and Arcola were also called in to assist with the 4 hour blaze.

Crews battled not only heat and smoke from the structure, but a bit of a hot summer day. No one was injured in the fire. The cause is still under investigation.