Fast-moving fire destroys century-old Redmond-area barn

A 100-year-old hay barn quickly went up in flames just west of Redmond Monday morning, leaving firefighters only able to mount a defensive attack and keep it from reaching nearby structures.

The fire was reported around 11:13 a.m. at a barn off Southwest Wickup Avenue, which was shut near Helmholtz Way and 53rd Court for firefighting operations.

Initial reports indicated the smoke and flames were pouring from the barn, reportedly full of hay and cardboard boxes, and located about 100 yards from a house, with other outbuildings closer by.

The fiercely burning fire put up a tall, black smoke plume visible throughout the area.

Redmond firefighters arrived to find the barn fully engulfed in flames, said Fire Marshal Traci Cooper. They were able to protect nearby structures, but the barn was a total loss.

Fire officials called for a mutual-aid engine from Bend and a medic from Crooked River Ranch to help staff their station during the firefighting effort.

Cooper said the cause of the fire is undetermined at this time. Losses to building and contents were estimated at $75,000.

One engine stayed on scene through the afternoon as hay and other items continued to smolder, she said. Heavy equipment was called in to help put out the still-burning hay.

Residents home at the time of the fire were quickly evacuated to a safe location and later allowed to return home, after the fire was knocked down. No injuries were reported.