The property loss and damage has been estimated up to $200,000 from a barn fire Sunday afternoon, at 8097 N. Syracuse-Webster Road. The property is owned by Dennis Darr.

The fire has been ruled accidental. Embers from a recreational fire were determined to start the blaze.

Turkey Creek Fire Territory, Syracuse, responded to the call at 4:06 p.m. The call came from a passing motorist. North Webster Fire Department was called in for mutual aid with additional manpower and tankers at 4:09 p.m.

Milford Fire Department was placed on standby for Turkey Creek Fire Territory at 4:18 p.m.

The first firefighters to arrive found the barn fully engulfed. Due to exposure to the fire, a utility shed, single car detached garage and home caught fire and sustained heat damage. The home had been evacuated and the garage had no vehicle inside.

The single car garage was a total loss. Minor minor damage was sustained to the utility shed and home.

Inside the barn were three pieces of farm machinery.

Firefighters brought the fire under control at 4:48 p.m. Salvage and overhaul of the scene was completed and firefighters cleared from the scene at 7:09 p.m.

Water was shuttled to the scene from Wawasee Middle School and a hydrant at a nearby pond. Approximately 40,000 gallons of water was used in fighting the fire and protecting remaining buildings.

There were no injuries sustained by firefighters or occupants of the home.

INITIAL: Emergency personnel are currently responding to a farm fire located at 8097 N. Syracuse Webster Road.

According to reporter Deb Patterson, the property was owned by Dennis Darr and occupied by Dar’s daughter, Kelly, who was at home at the time of the blaze. A wooden barn with a metal roof caught on fire and though there was no hay within the structure, antique farm equipment and a hay mower were lost in the blaze. In addition, an unattached one car garage was destroyed in the fire. There was heavy exterior damage to the siding of a residence at the address.

Syracuse Fire Department responded to the scene and North Webster Fire was called for an assist. Milford Fire Department was on standby for Syracuse Fire Department.