Reelsville barn fire results in several explosions

REELSVILLE -- A Monday night barn fire resulted in several explosions and dozens of responders from local agencies.

Reelsville Fire Department was dispatched at 7:12 p.m. to a barn fire at 7316 S. CR 625W, the property of Steve Burk. The fire department was on the scene in about five minutes.

"The barn was fully involved, and there were numerous explosions," said RFD Chief John McPherson.

The barn's contents included a number of welding tanks and gas tanks, which were the cause of the explosions. The barn, which McPherson said was approximately 25-ft. by 40 ft., also contained tires, motorcycles, engine blocks and tools.

Reelsville was assisted by responders from Cloverdale Township, Greencastle, Madison Township, Putnamville Correctional Facility, Van Buren Township, Bainbridge and Operation Life of Putnam County.

McPherson said the assisting agencies were there "mostly for tanker support and manpower."

"All told, 44 firefighters responded," McPherson said. "We used 8,000 gallons of water to extinguish."

The structure and all contents were lost. The barn's value is estimated at $10,000 and the contents at $40,000.

The cause of the fire is undetermined.