A devastating fire destroyed a barn in Union Township early Thursday morning, resulting in the loss of livestock and an estimated $50,000 in damages, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.
At approximately 12:56 a.m. on January 16, Berks County 911 dispatched the Birdsboro-Union Fire Department and other nearby fire companies to the structure fire at 504 Sycamore Road. Responders arrived to find the two-story, 30-by-40-foot barn fully engulfed in flames. The roof and portions of the exterior walls had collapsed, forcing crews to adopt defensive firefighting measures.
The fire spread to an adjacent field and brush, prompting the use of brush trucks and ATVs to contain the blaze. Fire departments from eastern Berks County and western Chester County joined the effort, remaining on the scene for more than four hours.
Sub-freezing temperatures added challenges for firefighters as a frozen pond on the property was inaccessible. Crews had to shuttle water from a fire hydrant in a nearby neighborhood using tankers.
The Pennsylvania State Police Troop L Fire Marshal Unit is investigating the fire, which originated in the barn’s below-grade area where livestock was housed. The cause remains undetermined due to extensive damage, but authorities confirmed no criminal activity is suspected.
Tragically, a few small cows and pigs in the barn could not be rescued and perished in the fire. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.
The investigation is ongoing.