A blaze destroyed a barn Wednesday in Strasburg Township.

Crews arriving at 924 Eisenberger Road around 3:20 p.m. discovered the interior of the structure fully engulfed with flames breaking through the roof, Strasburg Assistant Fire Chief John Stoltzfus said. "There was no chance of saving it," Stoltzfus said, adding that he arrived four minutes after the dispatch time. "It was probably burning for a while before anyone knew."

The 30-foot-by-70-foot structure, which contained tools and other equipment, mainly was used to service tractors and other vehicles, Stoltzfus said. Two acetylene torches inside set off numerous explosions during the fire. He estimated damage at $100,000.

A state police fire marshal was trying to determine the cause of the blaze late Wednesday.

Stoltzfus said the fire didn't appear to be suspicious. "We have a good idea — there was a wood stove in the building, and that's definitely a possibility," he added.

Stoltzfus said the fire was reported by residents who were working in a nearby barn when they smelled and saw smoke.

According to county records, the property is owned by Jeffrey R. Hollinger and June L. Mengel.

Stoltzfus said snow- and ice-covered roads didn't hinder the response time of firefighters. State Department of Transporation crews, however, were called out to salt some roads near the blaze and around a nearby fill site at Strasburg Pallet Co.
jtodd@lnpnews.com