Goats, chickens perish in Clark County barn fire

UPDATE @ 11:55 p.m.: Pike Twp. Fire Chief Jerry Donnelly said the cause of the fire was likely electrical, in the area of the refrigerator in the barn. He said fire crews arrived to heavy flames that spread into a hay loft.

He confirmed that at least six goats perished. The chief also said a number of chickens died as well. He noted that some of the animals that died had been rescued from the flames.

Donnelly couldn’t put a dollar estimate on the damage, but said the barn likely could be rebuilt.

Fire crews from German Twp. and Bethel Twp. also assisted the Pike Twp. crew, he said.

UPDATE @ 9:57 p.m.: Investigators are searching for the cause of a massive Clark County fire that killed at least six goats at a barn a friend of the owners said is part of the eight-acre On the Rise Farm for children in the 4100 block of Dialton Road.

“People cannot be replaced, animals can,” said Deb Digioia, the family friend. “But hopefully, people will step forward and help.”

According to Digioia, the fire killed at least six breeding goats, bedding, straw and feed for the animals children raise at the On the Rise Farm to show at the county fair. As many as 30 children visit every week to learn life skills, she said.

She said the fire caused heavy damage to the barn and its contents.

“They’re gonna need some straw and bedding pretty quickly to take care of the doe they do have left,” Digioia said.

According to its website, On the Rise Farm is a charitable organization serving at risk and underprivileged Clark County youth struggling with family, social, educational and behavioral issues. The organization is funded through the Clark County Department of Job and Family Services, Springfield Foundation, Turner Foundation, United Way, Community Health Foundation, Wilson Sheehan Foundation as well as other community resources.

Digioia asked that if you want to help, visit the organization at on-the-rise.org or call the farm at 937-964-1402.

FIRST REPORT

Fire and medic crews are battling a fully involved barn fire in the 4100 block of Dialton Road, just outside North Hampton.

Crews were dispatched about 8:25 p.m. and we’re hearing that at least one medic unit has been requested.

We have a crew on the way. We will update this report as we get information.