Town of Hartford, WI – Fire officials say a barn fire in the Town of Hartford on Friday afternoon was caused by embers from a nearby burn pile, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities reported the blaze began around 1:21 p.m. on October 3, 2025, when multiple 911 callers reported heavy black smoke from a barn on Clover Road. Deputies, along with the Hartford and St. Lawrence Fire Departments, responded immediately.
According to the sheriff’s office, the property owners confirmed that the barn was unoccupied and that no animals were inside. When responders arrived, they found a 50-by-40-foot pole barn partially engulfed in flames. The incident was quickly upgraded to a Working Still alarm, bringing in more firefighters and equipment.
Fire crews managed to knock down and extinguish the fire before it spread further. Officials said a vehicle and other equipment stored inside were damaged, with total losses estimated at around $30,000. No injuries were reported.
An investigation later determined that hot embers from a nearby burn pile likely caused the fire. Additional assistance came from the Slinger Fire Department, Lifestar Rescue, WE Energies, and the Wisconsin State Patrol.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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