Champion fire destroys barn, kills at least 10 cows

COPENHAGEN — At least 10 cows were lost in a Sunday evening barn fire on Route 12 in the town of Champion, about a half-mile from the Lewis County line.

Copenhagen firefighters were called about 5:30 p.m. to the Nathan H. and Jane M. Weber farm at 33165 Route 12. Firefighters from several neighboring departments — including Tylerville, Rutland, Champion, Rodman, Lowville and Great Bend — also were called to the scene.

The hay-filled barn was a total loss.

One of the Webers' sons, Nathaniel J., 23, said one of his younger brothers was walking from the house to the barn when he noticed smoke coming from the hay mow. The family then called 911 to report the blaze and worked to get their animals out of the burning structure.

About half of the dairy farm's 145 milking cows were in the barn being milked, but were able to be herded out, Nathaniel Weber said. "A couple ran back in," he said. "Some of them came back out. I'm not sure if they all did."

About 10 dry cows and a few rabbits were lost in the fire, he said.

Heavy smoke and flames were coming from the barn when firefighters arrived, said Mark D. Souva, Copenhagen Fire Department's second assistant chief.

"It's a very large structure with a very large amount of hay," he said.

Tanker trucks from various departments brought water from two fill sites, one from the Deer River in the village and the other from a creek to the west of the farm.

An ambulance from Carthage Area Rescue Squad also was on the scene, but no injuries were reported. National Grid officials were on hand to cut electricity to the damaged structure.

The Weber family, with assistance from other members of Hope Mennonite Church, Watson, spent part of Sunday evening herding cows into cattle trailers heading to the Edwin Bender farm on Ridge Road near Castorland.

One of the Webers' sons was married Saturday in Pennsylvania. While most of the family returned home Saturday night, Mr. and Mrs. Weber — who have 13 children, nine of them at home — were not due to arrive back until later Sunday night.

A portion of Route 12 was closed for several hours while firefighters battled the blaze.

Fire investigators were on the scene Sunday evening, but no official cause was immediately determined.

Several senior fire officials from both Jefferson and Lewis counties also were on hand.