Fire investigation continues
Damage from the fire is expected to reach $500,000.
By MONICA BOND
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LEAVITTSBURG -- All of the heifers and calves survived the blaze that destroyed two barns and killed 52 milk cows early Friday.
The investigation into its cause, however, continues.
One milk cow survived the blaze that destroyed two barns on Nelson Mosier Road. The animal is being treated for minor burns on her ribs and side, but does not appear to have any other injuries, said John Klingensmith, son of farm owner David Klingensmith.
"There were just milking cows in that barn," he said. "All the heifers and little cows are OK."
John said his family bought the farm in 1872.
"I'm the fifth generation; my dad's the fourth," he said. "We live next to the original farmhouse, where my grandmother lives."
Friday morning's fire
John said he arrived at the blaze shortly after his sister called 911 Friday morning.
"We don't know what caused the fire, it's still under investigation," he said.
John said his father has plans to rebuild the farm.
The other barn that was destroyed was full of hay. Firefighters spread the hay in a field, but it continued to burn.
"The wind was picking it up and blowing it around a bit so we went back out Saturday afternoon to put it out," said Warren Township Fire Chief Ken Schick. Schick said damage from the fire is expected to be close to $500,000.
Firefighters were able to save most of the equipment, which was housed in a third barn.