Hog barn destroyed after large fire near Humphrey

HUMPHREY, Neb. (KOLN) - Several volunteer firefighters battled flames and freezing conditions for more than four hours early Monday morning, after a Pillen Family Farms hog barn burned near Humphrey.

The Humphrey Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department was called to the structure, about 3.5 miles southeast of Humphrey, around 3 a.m. Crews remained on scene until about 7:30 a.m., facing bitter cold and strong winds that put added strain on firefighters and equipment.

Humphrey Fire Chief Jeff Brandl said the hog barn was destroyed. The number of hogs lost has not been determined. No injuries were reported, and firefighters were able to save a nearby building.

Brandl said the fire was already burning through one side of the barn when crews arrived. He said it started in the attic before spreading and consuming the rest of the structure.

An estimate of damages has not been released.

Several departments assisted at the scene, including Creston, Platte Center, Lindsay, Madison, Monroe, Leigh and Columbus fire departments.