Neighbors, churchgoers rescue 7 cows from burning barn

UPDATE @ 5 p.m.

Neighbors and churchgoers today rescued seven young dairy cows from a burning barn in Logan County.

A milk truck driver coming up the road at 11:50 a.m. spotted the smoke pouring from the building at 7130 Game Farm Road, said West Liberty Fire Chief Conrad Hostetler.

While firefighters were on the way, members of the nearby Oak Grove Mennonite Church and neighbors were able to pull seven of the eight cows to safety. One cow perished, and one with severe injuries was taken to Ohio State University’s Veterinary Medical Center, which includes a hospital for farm animals. No people were injured.

Five hours later, at 5 p.m., Hostetler said the barn was rubble on the ground but was still burning because it was full of hay and straw.

The barn — 85 feet long and 67 feet wide — contained 2,500 bales of stray, 1,500 bales of hay and 155 round barrels of hay, the chief said.

It’s a total loss, but Hostetler said he doesn’t yet have an estimated value on the property loss.

The cause of the fire is undetermined and will be under investigation, he said.

FIRST REPORT

Multiple fire crews responded today to a barn fire in Logan County.

The fire, which was reported just before noon in the 7100 block of Game Farm Road, destroyed the barn.

Flames and heavy smoke could be seen pouring from the building.

We’re working to learn more information about what caused the fire.