A large barn and a sizeable amount of a family’s belonging were destroyed by a possible arson fire Monday night in Big Clifty.
Monday night at approximately 10:20, the East Grayson and Clarkson Fire Departments responded to the 5500 block of Spurrier Road after a large barn caught fire. Grayson County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Fred Norder, who was nearby when the fire was reported, arrived on scene within about five minutes, and soon after he arrived the barn fell to the ground.
Norder noted that as he initially drove by the fire, the heat was palpable from about 100 feet away.
Over 20 East Grayson fire personnel, along with many Clarkson firefighters contained the blaze, as the fire threatened to burn down a utility pole, and without a quick response, would likely have threatened a few nearby structures.
(The utility pole never caught fire, but it emanated heavy smoke for over an hour. A utility worker arrived and evaluated the damage.)
The barn contained many of the owner’s household and other items that were stored there as he moves, according to witnesses at the scene. He was out of town Monday night, but communicated with police and fire personnel.
The barn had no electricity running to it, leaving no doubt that the blaze was suspicious in nature, according to officials. And unconfirmed report indicates someone was spotted behind the barn not long before the fire began.
No injuries were reported and firefighters cleared the scene at midnight.
Along with Norder, Deputy Jason Luedke assisted at the scene.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
