On Sept 29th at approximately 12:45pm, Watertown Fire Rescue responded to a barn fire at 17359 464th Avenue. Battalion 1, Engine 1, and Tender 1 responded, Brush 1 and Medic 4 also responded shortly after initial crews arrived on scene. A large smoke column was visible from miles away, and mutual aid was requested from Castlewood and Goodwin Fire Departments. Codington County Deputies and South Dakota Highway Patrol were on scene assisting in traffic control. Northwestern Energy was assisting in utilities. The barn was fully engulfed on arrival and had already collapsed. Two nearby homes and a shop were threatened, along with potential spread into a nearby shelterbelt, but firefighters were able to protect all exposures. Both homes had some melted siding, and the shop had minor damage, but no fire spread inside.
The barn and its contents were a total loss, including vehicles and equipment. No injuries were reported. Roughly 20,000 gallons of water were shuttled to the scene. Castlewood and Goodwin Fire Departments assisted in shuttling water and suppression. A neighbor also helped with a skid steer and grapple hooks to remove heavy debris so crews could reach hidden hot spots.
We thank our mutual aid partners and want to send a sincere thank you to Goodwin Fire Department, Castlewood Fire Department, and Brian Zaug of BZ Welding for assistance.