photo by Steve Taylor, Hamilton County EMS
Officials at McDonald Farm in Sale Creek are evaluating when it will reopen after its large barn was destroyed by fire on Sunday morning.
Officials said, "Due to a fire in our main equipment barn, McDonald Farm had to close Sunday. We are currently evaluating when we will be able to re-open.
"Thanks to everyone for your outpouring of support and well wishes. It has truly been overwhelming. We are determined to get back on our feet and hope to re-open as soon as we can. We’ll be providing more updates on this page, so stay tuned. Thank you from the Crowder and McDonald families. Your prayers have been felt.
"Fortunately, no one was hurt, and most buildings are undamaged."
It was estimated that over $2 million in equipment was in the barn.
The working farm had been expected a large crowd for hay rides and other activities on Sunday. The farm was hoping to reopen to the public by the weekend.
Several 911 calls were made at 7:30 a.m. by motorists seeing heavy smoke coming from the Coulterville Road area. The Sale Creek Volunteer Fire Department responded to the large farm at 16705 Coulterville Road.
When the first truck arrived, firefighters reported the barn was fully involved with fire. Sale Creek requested a mutual aid response for an additional water tanker from the Rhea County Fire Department.
Firefighters immediately conducted an “exposure protection” attack to prevent the surrounding structures from heat or fire damage.
Fire officials reported no animals were housed in the barn. Farming equipment to care for the farm was stored there. The barn and the contents were a total loss.
No injuries were reported, but Hamilton County EMS was on the scene for potential injuries to firefighters.
Damages are unknown at this time. The cause of the fire is undetermined and will be under investigation by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.