Russell, PA — A two-alarm barn fire destroyed a large structure at an Amish property in Farmington Township Wednesday, November 4th, prompting a response from multiple fire departments across Pennsylvania and New York.
The fire was reported at approximately 6:27PM. Lander Fire Chief Chad Jespersen said crews were dispatched for a large structure fire, with concerns that the flames could spread to the family's home and other nearby buildings.
"We were dispatched for a large structure fire, and the initial dispatch was updated to possibly be spreading to the house and adjoining buildings," Jespersen said. "Fortunately, the wind direction made it so those buildings did not catch fire. It was contained to the barn where it originated."
The flames came close to the family's home, where multiple children reside, but firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading. The family also managed to get its livestock out of the barn safely.
The barn was deemed a total loss, along with approximately 70 bales of hay. The fire also spread into nearby brush, burning approximately one acre before firefighters were able to extinguish it.
"Thankfully, there were no injuries, but we did have to...