(Spencer)– Investigators say the official cause of a fire that destroyed a barn and damaged several other buildings at the Charles “Bill” Elliott farm early Thursday in Clay county will go down as undetermined.
However, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and State Fire Marshal’s Office says it may have been the result of a spark that smoldered in some straw before igniting.
Authorities say the owner had been cutting out old steel vacuum tubes and cattle holding brackets in the old dairy-type barn prior to the fire.
There was no insurance on the building or its contents which included a boat, lawnmower, chickens, sheep and rabbits, miscellaneous tools and an air compressor.
Another shed was burned down as well and the roof of a corn crib was destroyed. A double stall garage and some siding on the north side of a house were also damaged. Authorities say the house, which is still habitable, and the garage, were insured.
Damage is estimated at over 100-thousand dollars.
The Dickens and Fostoria Fire Departments battled the blaze.
