Quick action limits damage in grain dryer fire

Dubois firefighters responded to a reported grain bin fire at the Kevin Kalb farm located on Hickory Grove Road today at 12:45 p.m.

According to Dubois Volunteer Fire Department spokesperson Zach Eichmiller, smoke was spotted by a nearby farmer, Blake Kalb who determined it was coming from a grain dryer that was on fire. Kalb shut off the propane which was most likely feeding the fire inside the dryer.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and contained it to the grain dryer. The dryer appeared to have extensive internal damage and will most likely be considered a total loss, according to Eichmiller.

The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time. It is thought that the grain stopped flowing through the dryer creating a hotspot where the burner is located. The dryer was operational and last seen about an hour prior to the fire call.

The dryer was insured and an insurance agent was on scene already.

Eichmiller reported 24 firefighters responded to the scene along with three trucks. They were there for about one hour and 20 minutes.

Memorial Hospital ambulance services were on scene as well but no one was injured.