Published: July 10, 2009 10:56 pm      

Fire destroys barn on Cash Valley Road

CUMBERLAND — Fire of an unknown origin destroyed a barn on Cash Valley Road late Thursday and injured the owner as he tried to free his cattle from the burning structure.

John Helmstetter suffered burns in the 11:20 p.m. incident and was taken to Memorial Hospital by the LaVale Rescue Squad. He was released following treatment for injuries to his left arm and right hand, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Several cattle and a dog perished in the fire, which destroyed the 50-by-100-foot heavy timber barn at 11515 Cash Valley Road.

The fire caused a loss estimated at $100,000 to the structure and $5,000 to its contents.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Deputy Fire Marshal Ed Ernst.

“It does not appear to be suspicious but we are cognizant of the fact that there have been several barn fires in the area in recent weeks,” said Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray. “But obviously it is still early into the investigation.”

A possible cause under review by investigators is the recent storing of fresh hay inside the barn.

Seventy-five volunteer firefighters responded to the scene, including companies from Ellerslie, Corriganville, LaVale, Hyndman, Bowman’s Addition, Bowling Green, Frostburg, Wellersburg, Clarysville and Ridgeley. Units were on the call until 5 a.m.

A rekindle of the structure occurred about two hours later, prompting Ellerslie, Corriganville and Mount Savage to return to the scene for nearly three hours, according to the Allegany County 911 Joint Communications Division.