Wells barn a total loss after fire; cause still undetermined

Published 9:50 am Monday, January 18, 2016

WELLS — No injuries were reported in a barn fire Sunday afternoon near Wells.

Fire crews were dispatched to the William Huper residence, 14733 600 Ave., approximately five miles southeast of Wells, at about 3 p.m. to find the barn fully engulfed in flames, according to Wells Fire Chief Guy Kimpton.

A cause of the fire hasn’t been determined.

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The fire is still under investigation.

Kimpton said the barn — that housed farm machinery, collector cars, older vehicles and hay — was a total loss.

A house on the property was reportedly not damaged.

Huper and his family will reportedly be able to stay in their home.

Kimpton estimated damage to be between $80,000 and $100,000.

Fire crews were at the scene for approximately five hours as temperatures hovered below zero.

Walters and Alden fire departments assisted.

About Sam Wilmes

Sam Wilmes covers crime, courts and government for the Albert Lea Tribune.

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