Barn fire kills farm animals

Staff report

NEW MIDDLETOWN

Four 4-H steers were among animals killed early Friday when fire destroyed a 80-by-96-foot pole barn and several pieces of farm and garden equipment in Springfield Township.

No people were injured by the blaze, which was reported to the Springfield Township Fire Department at about 1 a.m., said Fire Chief Matt Gebhardt.

Other animals killed were two horses and several sheep. Five heifers escaped through an open door, the fire chief said.

Gebhardt said the fire was through the roof of the barn, owned by Chuck Morjock and located at East Calla and Beard roads, when township firefighters arrived. The cause and amount of damage had not been determined as of Friday night. Firefighters were at the scene about 31/2 hours.

Gebhardt said his department received aid from Western Reserve Joint Fire District, Beaver Township and New Middletown Village in Ohio and Enon Valley, Bessemer and North Beaver in Pennsylvania.