Rochester Barn Destroyed in Fire

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A barn filled with bales of hay caught fire early this morning at a dairy farm on the 7000 block of James Road near Rochester.

The fire completely destroyed the 5,000-square-foot metal barn, which was used for storage, and threatened adjacent buildings, including Maple Lane School, before crews controlled the fire.

No animals were impacted by the fire and no people were injured.

More than 20 firefighters from West Thurston Fire Authority, Riverside Fire Authority, Oakville and Mclane Black Lake responded. Some crews are still on scene today.



West Thurston Fire Authority Chief Robert Scott said the bales of hay burning inside the barn were especially difficult to put out.

“It was a challenge with fire burning in bales of hay,” Scott said. “The bales are so compact you physically have to get a tractor in there.”

No cause has been determined yet and the fire is still under investigation.

Scott said the barn appeared to have no electrical power, so that is ruled out.