TOWN OF MORRISTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Fire claimed the lives of more than 20 cows Thursday afternoon in St. Lawrence County.
Flames swept through a barn on Frank Crosby’s farm at 241 Atwood Road near Brier Hill in the town of Morristown.
Volunteers from several departments rushed to the scene at 12:38 p.m., but could do little to save the barn or the cows and farm equipment inside.
“Once we got two engines on it we had pretty well knocked it down. But, it was pretty well gone by the time we got here. So, just trying to make sure we saved the house and the out structures because of the wind,” said David Stout, Brier Hill Fire Department president.
Those were saved. No one was on the farm when the fire broke out. That meant there was no one to spot it early on or get livestock out.
“There were animals lost – cows and calves. Tractors, manure spreader. It was a completely total loss,” said Stout.
Firefighters estimated about two dozen cows and calves perished in the blaze. Not all of the farm’s livestock was lost.
The blaze was put out and crews were brought in to raze what’s left of the barn.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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