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54 °F Forecast | Road Cams Monday, April 5, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend March 30, 2004 Fire levels barn on Dead Indian Memorial Road Sparks from nearby burning debris apparently ignited the Ashland-area blaze By BILL CHOY Mail Tribune A fire, apparently ignited by sparks from burning debris, destroyed a large barn on Dead Indian Memorial Road off Highway 66 on Monday morning. The blaze was reported by neighbors who saw a large billow of smoke and flames rise from the structure at 240 Dead Indian shortly after 9:20 a.m., said Margueritte Hickman, fire prevention officer for Ashland Fire and Rescue. Hickman said fire crews could see the smoke from their downtown station. By the time they arrived at the barn, it was engulfed in heavy smoke and flames. The barn’s owner told fire officials he was burning debris near the barn when a gust of wind apparently sent sparks onto the roof, Hickman said. The man’s name was not available. Advertisement "He indicated that the wind caught some embers, which went onto the roof and caught on fire," she said. "It appears the fire quickly spread to the rest of the barn." Hickman said this appears to be "the most probable cause" of the blaze. Southeast winds caused the smoke and embers to spread, making fighting the fire a challenge, she said. Hot embers from the blaze caused small fires about 100 feet from the barn in bushes and grass. The spot fires were quickly contained, Hickman said. No structures were in danger, although there are homes a few hundred feet away. "It’s always a concern anytime you have wind fuel a fire," she said. Crews from Ashland and Jackson County Fire District No. 5 could be seen trying to douse the flames as they battled heavy billows of smoke. As fire crews fought the fire, the blackened remains of part of the barn started to creak and tumbled down. A crowd watched nearby. The fire was contained more than an hour after crews arrived. No injuries were reported, Hickman said. She said the barn was used by the owner of a nearby home for storage. There was no estimated value for the loss of the structure, although it would probably take "quite a bit of money" to replace the barn, Hickman said. The loss for the barn contents was an estimated $5,000. Bill Choy is a reporter for the Mail Tribune and the Ashland Daily Tidings. Reach him at 482-3456. Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times