Multiple animals die in New Russia Twp. barn fire

NEW RUSSIA TWP. — A number of domestic and farm animals died in a barn fire on Quarry Road in New Russia Township late Friday night. No humans were injured in the blaze, which was fought by seven fire departments. Oberlin Fire Chief Robert Hanmer, whose department also serves New Russia Township, said the call for the fire came in at 10:58 p.m. Friday night for a fire at 14398 Quarry Road. He said a neighbor told the owners of the barn that it was on fire. By the time they got to it, it was "fully involved" with flames, Hanmer said. Two horses were saved, but four other horses, a goat, a dog, several cats, chickens and turkeys perished, he said. The barn was destroyed, its metal roof and siding falling in. Firefighters brought in a mini excavator to lift the metal and get at hot spots underneath, Hanmer said. The cause remains unknown, and an estimate of property damage wasn't available Saturday. "There was so much damage, it's hard to determine the exact cause" of the blaze, Hanmer said. With no hydrants in the area, fire crews relied on tankers bringing water in from elsewhere, he said. The Oberlin Fire Department was assisted by the Wellington Community Fire District and the Amherst, South Amherst, LaGrange, Carlisle and Camden fire departments, Hanmer said. Contact Dave O'Brien at (440) 329-7129 or dobrien@chroniclet.com or on Twitter @daveobrienCT.