SYRACUSE — A motorist driving in the area of CR 1350N saw smoke Saturday evening Nov. 26, and went to investigate. That motorist found a barn on fire at 9661 E. 1350N, Syracuse. Turkey Creek Fire Territory was notified at 8:14 p.m. and upon arriving found the barn fully involved.

A full assist, with firefighters and equipment from Benton and North Webster, was called. Tankers were requested from Cromwell, Ligonier and Milford fire departments.

Turkey Creek Fire Territory Deputy Chief Brian Richcreek reported the building was burned 100 percent through the roof. Firefighters used a defensive attack to save the home, which was approximately 50 feet away. There was no damage to the home.

The 36-foot by 56-foot barn, 18 feet tall, built around 1910, had been resided with metal.

The homeowners, listed as Kent and Mariann Hollopeter in county records, were not home. The barn and its contents of machinery and tools were a total loss.

Richcreek stated the cause of the fire is undetermined due to the extensive damage and is still under investigation.

Water to extinguish the fire was shuttled from the fire hydrant at Shopko and the east city limits of Ligonier.

Turkey Creek Fire Territory Firefighters were at the scene for approximately 3 1/2 hours.