WESTBY, Wis. — Despite six fire departments pitching in to battle a barn blaze near Westby on Firday, the barn was a complete loss. The Westby Christiana Fire Department said they were dispatched to Hegge Road at approximately 10:06 a.m. for a reported barn fire. Initial reports indicated that debris from a previous structure was being burned when the fire unexpectedly spread to a nearby barn.
Upon arrival, crews found the barn fully engulfed and structurally unstable. Due to the size and complexity of the incident, a box alarm was initiated, bringing in mutual aid from Cashton, Coon Valley, Readstown, La Farge, Viroqua, and other surrounding departments. Firefighters worked for several hours to contain the blaze and protect nearby structures. An excavator from Badger Environmental was brought in to help remove metal roofing and debris, allowing crews to fully extinguish hidden hot spots. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The Westby Christiana Fire Department also reported Just a few hours after clearing the scene, crews were called back around 2:45 p.m. for a grass fire at the same location. This second fire had started in a wooded area behind the original barn site and was spreading toward trees and another shed. Firefighters quickly brought it under control and conducted follow-up checks for remaining hot spots.
The Westby-Christiana Fire Department extended their sincere thanks to all responding agencies, including Westby EMS, Westby Police Department. Tri-State Ambulance, and the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, for their outstanding support and coordination throughout the day.
The Westby-Christiana Fire Department said these incidents are a strong reminder of how quickly fire conditions can change even after the initial flames are out, and the Importance of remaining cautious during outdoor burning or debris cleanup.
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