Farm animals saved from intense blaze
Published 9:13 am Thursday, June 22, 2017
A Firefighter pours water over his head to cool off after battling a barn fire. (Leader photo/KELSEY HAMMON)
Firefighters across Berrien County battled a quickly growing barn fire at the 2600 block of Walton Road in Niles Wednesday afternoon.
According to Niles Township Fire Chief Gary Brovold the fire began at approximately 1:20 p.m. Firefighters from Howard Township, Buchanan Township, Buchanan, Niles Township, Berrien Springs Oronko Township, Weesaw Township and Bertrand Township joined forces to battle the blaze. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department and the SMCAS ambulance services were also at the scene.
The flames had quickly engulfed the barn, sending a column of thick black smoke into the sky. It appeared that the fire had spread to a chicken coop and another nearby barn.
“We got a call that there were animals inside the barn,” Brovold said. “We got here, and the second barn was catching on fire.”
Brovold said the animals were rescued and left unharmed. He also said that no people were injured in the fire’s wake.
The fire raged less than 100 feet from a house on the property.
Multiple fire units appeared to be hauling water to put out the blaze.
After more than 40 minutes fighting the fire, it appeared to be under control. The barn was reduced to a heap of metal and ash.
Brovold said that authorities do not yet know what caused the fire. An investigation is ongoing and more information will be released at a later date.
“When we get in [the barn] and speak with the [property] owner, I will have more answers,” Brovold said.
