The state fire marshal's office is investigating the cause of a three-alarm fire that destroyed a large barn near Lineboro yesterday.
The fire was discovered by the owners, Robert Boyd and Karen Wooden of Stoney Lane, shortly before noon.
By the time firefighters arrived, the two-story barn was ablaze, and a second alarm was called. The fire eventually went to three alarms.
A house about 50 feet from the burning barn suffered minor damage to the vinyl siding, said Lineboro Fire Chief Robert Utz.
Ten companies, including four from southern Pennsylvania, responded. Several brush trucks were called to fight a related field fire.
"The wind was a big factor," Utz said. "It was blowing embers to the adjacent fields. We had about an acre and a half burning in different spots."
Firefighters used two small ponds in front of the house for a water supply, Utz said.
The 60-by-90-foot barn contained a small quantity of hay and tack, but no livestock. Damage was estimated at $185,000. No injuries were reported.
Officials believe the fire started accidentally but are continuing their investigation.
