Overnight Battle in Lewis County: High-Volume Water Flow Tames Destructive Barn Fire

West Carthage Fire Department operated for more than seven hours while assisting at a large barn fire in the Town of Denmark.

On September 10, West Carthage was requested on mutual aid for a fully involved barn fire. With no municipal hydrants available in the immediate area, crews participated in an extended tanker shuttle operation to maintain water supplies for master streams and handlines.

West Carthage responded with apparatus and personnel from both its Village and Champion stations. The response included two pumper-tankers, an engine, tanker, rescue and utility vehicles under the direction of Chief 49-0-1 and 1st Assistant Chief 49-0-2.

Crews worked alongside neighboring mutual-aid departments on fire suppression and exposure protection before transitioning to extensive overhaul. Firefighters pulled apart collapsed tin and timber and worked to extinguish smoldering hay and remaining hot spots.

After more than seven hours at the scene, West Carthage personnel returned to their stations, where members spent an additional hour cleaning equipment, repacking hose and returning apparatus to service.

The department thanked its responding members, neighboring mutual-aid companies and the West Carthage Ladies Auxiliary for providing support during the extended operation.