No people or animals were injured or lost in a barn fire in rural Peotone on the afternoon of February 24. The Manhattan Fire Protection District reported the structural fire occurred after a tractor stored inside caught fire.
Fire crews were dispatched to the scene in the 4000 block of Church Road at approximately 4:30 p.m. They found a working fire, primarily limited to the tractor stored inside, in a large horse barn with an arena. Because there were no hydrants, fire crews had to establish a rural water supply.
“Firefighters acted quickly to extinguish the tractor fire before it could extend to the surrounding hay or compromise the entire structure. Their rapid intervention prevented further fire spread and significant property loss,” said Jackie Palkovitz, in a Manhattan Fire Protection District press release.
The fire was under control and put out within 20 minutes.
Because 100 bales of hay were stored inside the barn and could act as a source of fuel for the fire, a box alarm was requested. The box alarm brought in mutual aid assistance from the Frankfort, New Lenox, Monee, Beecher, Manteno, Crete Township fire protection districts, and the Crete Fire Department.
“The Manhattan Fire Protection District would like to remind all barn owners to routinely inspect electrical outlets, wiring, extension cords, lighting fixtures, and farm equipment. Agricultural buildings are particularly vulnerable to fire due to dust accumulation, equipment storage, and the presence of combustible materials, such as hay,” a press release stated.
“Barns are challenging environments due to the high fuel load they contain and the hazards that are present. We encourage barn owners to be proactive and understand we’re here to help, which is why we offer the free inspections,” Fire Marshal Dave Kolosh said to The Vedette.
Lockport Township, Crete, and Orland Fire Districts covered Station 83, while Mokena and Elwood Fire Districts covered Station 81, as the Manhattan Fire Protection District responded to the fire, a press release indicated.
The fire remains under investigation.