Remaining barn fire smoke endangers air quality in Hope

Authorities in Hope are urging people with breathing problems to close their windows as debris from a large barn fire yesterday morning remains in the air.

According to the Hope Fire Department, firefighters were called to a structure fire near Jackson and Aiken streets at about 2:08 a.m. Monday morning. Firefighters discovered a large barn fully engulfed in flames. They worked to suppress the fire and protect nearby structures including an adjacent home.

The barn contained about 250 round bales of hay which complicated the firefighting efforts. An excavator was brought to the scene to separate and remove hay bales, which allowed firefighters to access hidden hot spots and extinguish the fire.

The fire was declared under control at about 7 a.m.

Firefighters will continue to monitor the site. Because of the large volume of wet hay the debris is expected to continue smoldering for several days.