"They're devastated:" Sheboygan Co. family saddened by loss of hundreds of animals in barn fire

SHEBOYGAN -- A Town of Holland couple is safe, but saddened by the loss of hundreds of animals after a fire destroyed a large barn on their property.

According to authorities, the Sheboygan County Joint Dispatch Center received a 911 call shortly after 3:00 a.m. reporting flames and smoke visible on Smies Road, west of State Highway 32.

Cedar Grove Fire Chief Greg Navis was fairly certain he was responding to a fire on his parents' property.

Town of Holland barn fire

"The barn was fully engulfed, and we did what we could to get the animals out of the yard, and the horses out of the barn," Navis said.

While the house, with Chief Navis' parents inside was untouched, the two-story barn and an adjacent building were destroyed. Hundreds of animals inside died.

"About 150 to 200 pigs, we're not sure yet. We're still counting -- and uh, seven to eight heifers yet," Navis said.

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Some quail and chickens also perished in the fire. The horses, however, appeared to be safe albeit significantly scared.

Meanwhile, with temperatures in the single digits, first responders from a dozen area departments faced a few challenges of their own.

"The pumps were froze. We ran out of water a couple times. We couldn't haul it fast enough -- and by the time we got water back, they were froze up," Navis said.

Town of Holland barn fire

 

While no injuries were reported from emergency personnel, Navis said his parents are struggling with the loss of so many family farm animals.

"They're devastated. I mean, they've been in agriculture as long as they've been working, so..." Navis said.

Town of Holland barn fire

Chief Navis says there are a few animals still on the farm. But others have been moved to other locations. They will be monitored for several days, if not weeks, to make certain they did not suffer any injuries or smoke inhalation.