Fire causes $100,000 in damage to a pole barn in West Bend

WEST BEND -- Officials with the Washington County Sheriff's Office say a fire caused approximately $100,000 in damage to a pole barn in West Bend.

It happened shortly before 8:00 am. Sunday, December 18th.

A passerby notified sheriff's officials that the barn was on fire.

Upon the arrival of fire crews, heavy smoke was observed emanating from the structure.  The fire was quickly brought under control, however, bitter cold temperatures and building construction type made overhaul operations difficult.

An investigation revealed that the fire likely started in an area where a tractor was parked.

While the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, is not considered to be suspicious.

No one was hurt.

Damage to the structure and it’s contents was estimated at approximately $100,000.

Hillcrest Drive between State Highway 144 and Nabob Drive was closed to through traffic for approximately 3.25 hours to facilitate overhaul and clean-up operations.

Southbound traffic on State Highway 144 in the area of Hillcrest Drive was also restricted to facilitate the staging of fire apparatus.