HEREFORD >> A fire Sunday night caused hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage to a barn.
Police are investigating the cause of a fire that ignited a barn on Huffs Church Road that was used to store hay, horses and about 1,500 bales of straw. The barn quickly ignited at around 8 p.m. and shortly became engulfed in flames.
Police said no people or animals were harmed during the fire and that all the horses were evacuated safely.
The barn’s second floor collapsed into the ground floor as firefighters battled the blaze, police said. Several fire companies responded to the fire and remained on the scene for hours. Crews continued to return throughout the day to keep hot spots and flare ups under control. Community members and neighbors assisted with time and equipment to help the victims.
The total damage is estimated at $200,000.
The collapse of the second floor, in addition to the amount of straw and hay, have delayed the investigation. Police said the ground floor is currently inaccessible and that the investigation will continue when overhaul is completed and access to the barn is safe and contents are emptied.
Authorities said the fire currently appears to be accidental.
