Fire Destroys Barn Near Wheeler

Fire destroyed a barn near Wheeler Thursday morning.

The 50'-by-60' pole barn was located about five miles south of Wheeler along the Latona Road. The fire was reported at 10am.

Dieterich Fire Chief Ross Martin said the fire appeared to have started in the straw, and said the structure was a total loss. Martin said he was asked not to release the name of the owner of the barn.

Dieterich firefighters were assisted on scene by fire companies from Wade Township, Montrose and Teutopolis, and firefighters from Effingham and Edgewood Bi-County covered the Dieterich station in case of another call. Jasper County Ambulance Service was also on scene.

Martin said there were no injuries, but said the firefighters were rotated more frequently due to the heat.

Firefighters were on scene until about 12:30pm.