UPDATE: Barn fire may have been caused by sparks from power tool
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(ABC 6 News) – The State Fire Marshall was unable to determine the cause of an Eyota barn fire Oct. 4, given the age of the structure and extreme damage.
However, investigators believe the fire was caused by sparks from an angle grinder used earlier that day, Capt. Tim Parkin with the OCSO said.
The OCSO does not believe the fire was caused by malicious or criminal methods, and has closed its investigation.
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(ABC 6 News) – The Eyota Fire Department responded to a barn fire at 1:30 p.m. at 10836 County Rd 9.
The Eyota Fire Department responded to a barn fire at 1:30 p.m. at 10836 County Rd 9. They rushed to the scene where they found the barn engulfed in flames, but already some of the damage had been done.
Upon arrival, the roof of the first structure that caught fire had already collapsed, and flames had spread to two other structures, as well as three nearby silos.
The family who owns the property was not home at the time, which likely meant a slower response time as no one was immediately at the scene to report the fire.
Battling the flames proved to be challenging for the Eyota Fire Department, so they called for help from neighboring departments.
“It was a wind-driven fire, so it made it a little more difficult to put out, we responded with mutual aid from Elgin Fire and Rochester Fire as well,” Eyota Fire Chief Jeff Peck said.
No injuries were reported, but the barn is now considered a total loss.
Fire crews in Eyota were at the scene for around six hours assisting the family.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.