Barn lost, animals saved in Thursday fire

Smoke rolled across the sky as local fire departments arrived in northern Greencastle Township Thursday afternoon.

Even as firefighters from five local departments battle a barn fire in rural Greencastle Township Thursday, a calf, safely out of harm's way, looks for a place to graze nearby. Although the livestock will need a new place to stay, no animals were lost in the blaze.

A barn owned by Chris and Kim Duell at 1414 W. CR 100 North was completely destroyed.

Fire departments were alerted of the fire at 4:12 p.m. and firefighters hurried to rescue and release livestock in the barn.

A trailer that was backed up to the barn was also heavily damaged by the blaze.

Damages are estimated at $50,000.

Those on the scene were Greencastle Fire Department, Madison Township Fire Department, Cloverdale Fire Department, Bainbridge Fire Department, Reelsville Fire Department, Operation Life and the Putnam County Sheriffs Department.

Fillmore Fire Department was also dispatched to cover Greencastle's firehouse.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this point. It appears to be accidental, although a malfunction by a tank water heater has not been ruled out.

Greencastle Fire Chief Bill Newgent said he spoke with Kim Duell before leaving the scene, and all livestock appeared to be safe and accounted for.