By Jana WagonerSource: Loudoun County Fire-Rescue
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 2008
During the storm that passed through Loudoun June 10, lightning struck a barn near Neersville, catching it on fire and causing $300,000 worth of damage, Loudoun County Fire-Rescue spokeswoman Mary Maguire said.
The fire happened around 4:15 p.m. at the barn at 36502 Kidwell Road. Fire-rescue units arrived on the scene to find heavy smoke and fire coming from the 100-foot-by-60-foot horse barn, Maguire said.
Sixteen horses and several workers were in or around the barn when the fire started. All were able to escape by the time fire units arrived, Maguire said.
It took about three hours to fully control the fire, as it had spread quickly throughout the roof area, involving most of the structure. Fire crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading to a neighboring barn, Maguire said.
There were no injuries reported during the incident.