Fire destroys barn.

Fire destroys barn.

#Hesperia

By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.

DENVER TOWNSHIP, Newaygo County — A barn that was over 100 years old burned to the ground Tuesday, May 16, near Hesperia.

Firefighters from five departments battled the blaze for over three hours, said Hesperia Fire Chief Bob Eichenberg. No one was injured, and no animals were inside the barn owned by Dave Stout.

The barn was located at 5285 West One Mile Road, which is M 20, approximately six miles east of Hesperia.

Firefighters were dispatched at 7:43 a.m., Eichenberg said. It is unknown what started the fire, but Stout said it may have been caused by a lightning strike. Stout, who had insurance, was upset to find out that his insurance company is not going to cover the loss of the approximate 60-by-100-foot barn.

Inside the barn was a 17-foot 1986 Four Winns Horizon boat that Stout described as being in “pristine condition.” He said the boat will be covered by his insurance. “The upholstery was in mint condition,” Stout said.

His nearby house was saved from major damage, although the vinyl siding was warped from the intense heat. Also a pickup truck parked in front of the barn received damage.

Firefighters from Ferry Township, Fremont, White Cloud and Newaygo assisted Hesperia Fire Department at the scene.

This story is copyrighted © 2017, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.