TOWN OF MARTELL – Ellsworth Fire responded to a barn fire at 2:42 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2 in the town of Martell after multiple callers reported it.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, located at W5820 Highway 29, River Falls, the barn was fully engulfed and the fire was spreading quickly to a nearby standing cornfield and wooded area. Pierce County tax records list the property owner as Janna Cowen.

It took fire crews about two hours to get the fire under control, but they were on scene for approximately seven hours fully extinguishing the fire and checking for hot spots. The barn is considered a total loss; roughly 40 acres of crop and wild land burned. According to a press release, abnormally dry, windy and warm conditions contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Ellsworth Assistant Fire Chief Derek Featherstone said the barn was not being used to house animals.

Spring Valley Fire, River Falls Fire, United Fire and Pierce County Sheriff’s Office assisted Ellsworth Fire at the scene. The fire department asks that residents use extreme caution with any outdoor activities that could lead to fire spread.

A barn fire in the town of Martell spread to a nearby standing cornfield, burning nearly 40 acres.Submitted photo