CLEAR SPRING, MD – A large barn caught fire early Monday morning in Clear Spring, causing an estimated $75,000 in damages to the structure and its contents, according to local fire officials. Due to the nature of the contents inside — primarily rolled bales of hay — the fire was allowed to burn under controlled conditions.
At approximately 7:31 a.m. on August 25, emergency crews responded to the report of a structure fire at 11845 Rocky Meadow Road. The barn, measuring approximately 60 feet by 100 feet, was owned by Hans Kefauver. No injuries were reported, and no occupants were displaced.
The fire was discovered by a passerby and reported promptly. Upon arrival, 53 firefighters from the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company and surrounding departments responded to the scene. Fire officials determined that the safest course of action was to allow the fire to continue burning due to the high quantity of rolled hay bales stored inside, which pose unique risks and challenges in extinguishment.
The estimated loss includes $50,000 for the structure and $25,000 for the contents. No smoke alarms, fire alarms, or sprinkler systems were present, and no arrests have been made. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Officials noted that hay fires can self-ignite due to internal heat buildup and are known to burn for extended periods once ignited.
