LANCASTER — Firefighters from Lancaster and surrounding communities battled a two-barn fire Friday afternoon that caused an estimated $250,000 to $300,000 in damage on North Shirley Road.
According to a statement from Lancaster’s Fire Chief Jon Belanger, Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch received a call at approximately 4:41 p.m. reporting flames and heavy smoke in the area of 1990 Shirley Road. The address was later updated to 1964 North Shirley Road.
“A working fire assignment was requested by the responding Lancaster deputy chief who reported heavy black smoke visible from several miles away from the incident at 4:46 p.m.,” Chief Belanger wrote in his statement. “Shirley Fire (engine and ladder) responded as the initial calls for the incident reported it in their town.”
Mutual aid was also provided by departments from Leominster, Bolton, Harvard, Clinton, and Sterling.
Crews arriving on scene found a 10-by-16-foot garage already burned to the ground and a 24-by-40-foot animal barn heavily involved. Six horses were rescued from the animal barn, though one was later euthanized by a veterinarian at the scene. Several fowl on the property were believed to be unharmed.
“Due to the advanced nature of the fire, both buildings were deemed a total loss as well as multiple pieces of farm equipment, tools, and tack. The estimated loss is between $250,000-$300,000,” Chief Belanger said. “An excavator was called to assist with raising the building as the remaining structure was unstable and unsafe. The excavator also assisted with overhauling to ensure the fire was extinguished in the void spaces.”
No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
“The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but does not appear to have been intentional,” Chief Belanger said.
All units cleared the scene by 9 p.m.
