Hay mow fire engulfs entire barn near Martinsburg

LEWIS COUNTY- Official details concerning a barn blaze earlier this month have surfaced from emergency responders.

It happened on the afternoon of Saturday, August 1 some time shortly after 3:00 p.m. Martinsburg Fire Department was the primary responder on-scene for a barn that had caught fire on the property of John and Marika Schwartzentruber.

Dispatch initially reported a working fire inside of a hay mow. Upon arrival, it was found that the barn was completely engulfed in flames.

Though a few chickens did not survive the blaze, there were no other mentions of animal or livestock loss. Mutual aid was called in from multiple agencies in Lewis County, including: Lowville Fire Department, Lowville Auxiliary, 3-G Volunteer Fire Department, New Bremen Fire Department and Turin Volunteer Fire Department.

"The fast response from all agencies made it possible to save the garage and house that was nearby, but the barn is a total loss," Martinsburg Fire Department said in a statement released to social media.

"To make matters worse, this was the barn of one of our own brothers in the department. This is hard enough as it is, but for it to be one of our members makes it even more difficult."

John and Marika have expressed their thanks to all departments and the community for everything that has been done on this day and everyday after.

Members from Lewis County Search and Rescue, Fire Coordinators, National Grid, County DOT, NYSDOT and the Lewis County Sheriffs Office also assisted.

Martinsburg Fire Department also acknowledges everyone else in the community who gave a helping hand.

Martinsburg Fire Department image.