Over ten fire departments spent five hours battling the fire first reported around 3:40 p.m. in the 700 block of Lewisburg Western Road, according to West Manchester Fire Chief Dale Baker.
Baker said the fire began when heat from a light bulb ignited a pile of hay in the recently remodeled barn.
Homeowners noticed the fire immediately and attempted to douse the flames with a garden house before fire crews arrived.
Shortly after noticing the fire, the homeowners moved many cows out of the barn and into a pasture, according to Baker.
Baker said the barn wasn't a total loss, but could not provide an estimate of the damages.
"We had a lot of crews on scene and needed a lot water to put this one out," Baker said, adding, "Make sure hay and other flammables are away from light fixtures."
INITIAL REPORT
One person is at the hospital following a large barn fire in Preble County Tuesday evening, according to Preble County dispatchers.
Multiple fire units from Preble, Darke and Montgomery counties are currently at the scene of the fire reported around 3:40 p.m. in the 700 block of Lewisburg Western Road.
Dispatchers said the victim taken to the hospital may have suffered heat-related injuries. It is unknown if any animals were in the barn when the fire was reported.
Our newsroom is working to learn more from Preble County fire officials who remain on the scene.
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