April 03--METAL TOWNSHIP -- More than 200 calves were lost in an Amish barn fire Wednesday afternoon in Metal Township.
When firefighters arrived at 14614 Creek Road, the building was already on the ground and mostly collapsed, said Metal Township Fire and Ambulance Company Deputy Chief Keith Price.
"I arrived on scene and it was just kindles," Price said. "The main building was collapsed, the roof was already caved in and, of course, the animals were already deceased. There was nothing we could do."
Most of the fire was already out when crews arrived, he said. They focused on minor fire extinguishing, shuttling water in by tankers, and then salvage and overhaul, using equipment to help clear the area.
"The fire pretty much gutted through the building," Price said. "There wasn't much left when we got there."
No injures were reported by firefighters or the owners, he said. The owners weren't on the property at the time and actually live on a separate property away from the barn. A neighbor had contacted fire personnel.
"They just happened to look up and saw the building burning and called the fire company," Price said. "At this point, there's no determination where it started. They're not sure themselves."
Pennsylvania State Police fire marshals will be investigating. At this point, no foul play is suspected, he said.
Metal Township Fire and Ambulance Company was assisted at the scene by Fannett-Metal Fire and Ambulance, St. Thomas Fire and Rescue, Pleasant Hall
Fire Company, Mercersburg Montgomery Peters and Warren Fire Company and Shade Gap Fire Company.
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Samantha Cossick can be reached at [email protected] and 262-4762.
Copyright 2013 - Public Opinion, Chambersburg, Pa.
