Hot mower blamed in Darke County barn fire

A hot lawn mower is blamed on a fire that heavily damaged a Darke County barn just north of Fort Jefferson Sunday.

Crews from six departments responded around 1:30 p.m. to the 3900 block of State Route 121.

A New Madison fire official said a passerby noticed flames coming from the large barn and called 911.

He said the owner had just put away the lawn mower and the hot engine is believed to have caught the nearby hay on fire.

The fire happened just as temperatures were heating up in the afternoon.

Early reports indicated up to three firefighters needed medical attention after the fire was out.

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