By Patty Locher
Sabetha Herald – December 11, 2013
Submitted by Newz Group Clipping Service – December 17, 2013
At 7:27 a.m. Friday, December 6, the Sabetha Fire Department responded to a report of a shed fire at the rural residence of Rod and Cynthia Strahm at 2391 200th Road.
An alert motorist driving to work saw smoke coming out of the eaves of the implement shed and alerted the owners, who at about the same time, heard a small explosion in the direction of the shed.
According to Sabetha Fire Chief Jim Johnson, the fire department responded to the scene with 13 firefighters and five trucks.
Because of the extreme cold conditions and the size of fire, Chief Johnson requested and received mutual aid from the Bern Fire Department, which responded with nine firefighters and three trucks. The firefighters were able to contain the fire to the implement shed in which the fire started, which contained large hay bales in approximately the east third of the shed. The contents of the rest of the shed included several pieces of farm equipment and implements, such as tractors, grain trucks, combines, hay grinders and the like.
Severe smoke damage and some fire damage occurred, with one tractor destroyed and some tires and smaller items heavily damaged.
The firefighters returned to the fire barn at 9:08 a.m.
Chief Johnson said the cause of the fire appeared to be electrical in nature, but that the source had not been confirmed.
The dollar amount of loss was pending an estimate by the insurance adjuster, who was scheduled to visit the scene on Friday afternoon.
“I appreciate the hard work and effort of the firefighters, especially in the extreme cold temperature,” Chief Johnson said. “The Sabetha Fire Department also appreciates the mutual aid provided by the Bern Fire Department.
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