Clay Township/Claypool Fire Department called for assistance from Winona Lake, Silver Lake and Warsaw fire departments while they battled a barn fire at 1043 W. Hoppus Rd., early today.

According to Clay Township Fire Department Chief Bob Haines, the 24-foot by 48-foot barn was a total loss. Fortunately, no animals were kept in that building and the only other damage to property was heat damage to a horse trailer.

Fire crews were toned out shortly after 8 a.m. for the fully engulfed barn fire. The initial assist call went out for just a tanker from Winona Lake, but by 8:30 a.m. full manpower and a second tanker from Silver Lake had been requested. A Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department deputy was also called to the scene.

As of this afternoon, Haines said he has no answers as to what caused the fire, which was estimated to have cause approximately $75,000 in damages. Haines said the family’s insurance company is now investigating.