MORRISVILLE — About six cows were killed on Friday as a fire ripped through a barn owned by Dwayne Lamphear of L&L Farms in Morrisville.
The fire was reported by a passerby who saw smoke coming from the 340 foot cattle barn located on the property. The Morrisville Fire Departments responded to the scene at 742 Fitzgerald Road. Upon arrival, the front portion of the barn was fully in flames. High winds made it difficult for firefighters to battle the blaze, which quickly grew, pushing through the barn.
Mr. Lamphear arrived and was able to get most of the cattle out of the barn before the entire roof structure collapsed, however, some of the cows could not be saved. The structure was a total loss, with damages estimated to be in excess of $800,000.00. No one was at the barn at the time of the fire so there were no injuries.
The Morrisville Fire Department contacted the Vermont State Police and requested a fire investigation be conducted. Detectives from the State Police Fire Investigation Unit and an investigator with the Division of Fire Safety began the investigation.
After conducting a partial scene investigation, as most of the building had completely collapsed, the fire cause is deemed to be undetermined at this time and not suspicious. However, investigators believe that the fire was most likely related an electrical issue.
