PREBLE COUNTY — A barn burned for hours in Preble County Friday afternoon.
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“On the way home, we drove past the barn, and there was so much smoke it almost looked like it was just a giant bonfire going on,” Miranda said.
It wasn’t, but a large barn stacked with hay almost 30 feet tall.
It created a lot of smoke.
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The wind carried it across US-40 towards National Trail Local Schools’ campus, three miles away.
Eighth grader Jessa said the smoke canceled recess.
“There was an announcement that came on that said you have to stay inside because the smoke is too heavy,” Jessa said.
National Trail’s first home high school football game kicked off with excitement.
Attendees were warned about parts of US-40 shutting down because of thick smoke.
During the game, smoke could be seen behind the school building.
“At the end of the pep rally today ... they said, ‘all right, if you’re driving home, you cannot go on 40.’ We’re gonna find a different way to get you home,” Jessa said.
Ten different fire departments from three different counties responded to the fire on Orangeburg Road.
Chief Brian Petry of Northwest Fire and EMS said no livestock or people were inside.
Petry said the hay will be smoldering for days.
“I’ve seen it. It was pretty big. My friend’s dad is actually a police officer. He was saying they couldn’t really put it out because it was so big and the barn was just full of hay,” Jessa said.
Firefighters worked into the night to make sure this hay would not rekindle.
Jessa and her friends are glad the crews are handling the smoke, so they can enjoy the Friday Night Lights.
“We’re happy to have our football game tonight,” Jessa said.
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