May 04--NEW MUNICH -- One firefighter was taken to the hospital after being struck in the head by falling debris while fighting a barn fire Saturday night in Oak Township that had flames visible from the roof, according to the Stearns County Sheriff's Office.
Forty-two dairy cows were safely taken from the burning 40-foot by 120-foot barn. Firefighters were on scene for more than four hours.
Freeport and Melrose Fire Departments responded to the fire call at 7:26 p.m. Saturday, according to a press release from the sheriff's office. They transported water from Melrose to fight the fire.
The farm, located at 37257 Minnesota State Highway 237 in Oak Township, is owned by Luverne Hinnenkamp of Melrose but is being rented by Kevin Bauer of Melrose.
Minnesota State Patrol troopers also responded because the farm is close to Interstate 94.
The fire remains under investigation.
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