The Orange City Fire Department was called to assist during an overnight barn fire Sunday near Le Mars that caused more than $100,000 in damage and destroyed a chicken barn.
According to the Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department, crews were dispatched at 11:34 Sunday night to a barn fire at 26132 Marble Avenue in rural Le Mars. Andy Britt owns the barn.
Heavy Fire Upon Arrival
When firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy flames coming from the front of the building and the roof of the chicken barn. Crews attacked the fire with one hose line through the west door while a second hose line was used on the roof.
Firefighters later entered the west side of the building after slowing the fire and were eventually able to bring the blaze under control. Authorities say extensive overhaul and ventilation work were needed to extinguish the fire completely.
The owner was home at the time of the fire, noticed flames coming from the barn, and called 911.
Fire Spread Through Attic
Investigators determined the fire began on the west side of the barn’s main floor before spreading into the attic space above a double-layer tin ceiling and insulation. The fire then moved across the attic toward the back of the structure.
Authorities say the fire was ruled accidental. Investigators believe the most probable cause was an electrical equipment malfunction involving a heat lamp being used for baby chickens.
The chickens and other contents inside the barn were lost in the fire.
Orange City Fire Department Assisted
The Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department says the Orange City Fire Department was called to Le Mars to provide standby coverage in case another fire call occurred while Le Mars crews remained tied up at the scene.
Firefighters were on scene for more than three hours, extinguishing the blaze, ventilating the structure, and conducting the investigation.
Officials say nearby buildings on both sides of the barn were saved and were not damaged by the fire.
The barn is considered unusable because of the damage.
Le Mars Fire-Rescue responded with four trucks and 15 personnel. The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office also assisted at the scene.
The Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department is reminding residents to use caution when using alternate heating sources.
