Keizer, Ore. Fire District crews responded to a barn fire at 7198 River Road.
The initial call was received at 4:22 p.m.
Crews reported heavy black smoke coming from both ends of the 5000 square foot single-story building.
Before hose lines could be completely deployed, the building became totally engulfed in fire.
With water supplies limited, and required to be brought in with tanker trucks,
The building was deemed a loss. Attention was focused on saving a nearby building formerly used for drying wheat.
The destroyed barn was built in the 1920's and was primarily vacant so there was no loss to the contents. The structure loss is placed at approximately $5,000.00.
Crews remained on scene for several hours conducting fire watch to ensure the fire doesn't spread to the saved dryer building.
There were no reported injuries with approximately 35 firefighters on scene.
Keizer Fire District was assisted by units from Marion County Fire District #1 and Salem Fire Department. In all, 9 units were on scene.
The fire remains under investigation. However, fire personnel were told that there may have been people at the location just before the fire was reported by a passer-by on River Road.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Fire Marshal Joel Stein will follow-up on witness information in an attempt to determine a cause.
