Cattle perish in Mercer County barn fire
More than 100 cattle were inside a barn in Mercer County when flames broke out Wednesday morning.
More than 100 cattle were inside a barn in Mercer County when flames broke out Wednesday morning.
Fire departments from Ohio and Pennsylvania were called out to battle the flames on Darien Road in West Salem Township, located southeast of Greenville.
According to Lieutenant Rob McCauley of the West Salem Fire Department, the family who owns the farm had 120 cows inside the barn that caught fire around 2:45 am.
McCauley said some made it out alive, but many are presumed dead, though there is no official count at this time.
The barn that caught fire also had a milking parlor and mobile equipment inside of it.
According to McCauley, the barn is considered a complete loss, with damage estimates between $400,000 and $500,000.
McCauley said the owners are insured and have more cattle at another location.
The departments dispatched included those from West Salem, Mecca, Kinsman, and Hermitage.
Dispatchers say an ambulance was on standby as typical protocol, but call records show it was never used to transport anyone.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by the state fire marshal, but it's not believed to be suspicious.
This is a developing story. Stick with 21 News as more information becomes available.