Neoga-area Barn Destroyed by Fire Tuesday Afternoon

A barn owned by Walk Stock Farm, south and east of Neoga, was destroyed by fire Tuesday afternoon.

Neoga Fire Chief Bill Albin told us Tuesday evening that he was very familiar with the large, old barn, which he estimated was more than 70 years old and had ties to his family. Fire crews were dispatched to the barn, located at 900th street and 350 east, at 1:37 pm Tuesday afternoon. Due to the size of the barn, automatic mutual aid from Sigel's department was sounded. Chief Albin, given his knowledge of the structure, also called for additional water from the Toledo Fire Department.

The barn housed a large quantity of corn stalk in round bales, straw bales, two skid steers and some cattle. Three of those cattle were killed in the fire. Several more were saved as workers rushed them out of the burning structure.

Chief Albin said the barn was a total loss, with damage that could exceed $300,000. Albin added there was nothing suspicious about the fire. Fire crews were clear of the scene at 3:30 pm.