Fire destroys barn in Morales

By Jessica Coleman
Staff Writer
    A Morales barn was gutted by fire in the late hours of Tuesday, Dec. 20, or early hours Wednesday, Dec. 21, firefighters believe.
    Ronald Gates, who leases County Road 283 property, said he checks on the place when he goes out to check his cattle, and found it smoldering nearly half a day after firefighters believe the blaze began. The property owner, Jeannette Gandy, does not reside in Jackson County.
    Two camper trailers, a utility vehicle, and a utility trailer were destroyed by the time firefighters got there.
    Fire crews were dispatched at 1:22 p.m. and arrived on scene at 1:41 p.m.
    Captain Nick Strauss of Emergency Services District 3 said that because of the way the barn was built, with steel structure and tin panels, it remained relatively structurally sound, and did not collapse, however, it would be a total loss and need to be torn down.
    It is unknown at this time how the fire began, but foul play is not suspected. No one was injured.