Shortly before 11:00 a.m. (on Monday, August 19th), the North Judson-Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department responded to a large shed fire in the 7400 South block of State Road 39.
NJ-WT FD officials stated that on arrival, the shed was almost fully engulfed and the roof collapsed shortly after they got to the scene.
Fire Chief Joe Leszek discussed the response effort during his report at the North Judson Town Council meeting, noting that the structure was filled with bales of hay.
He told the council, “We had 13 of our fireman show up; we were assisted by Knox, Bass Lake, and San Pierre so I want to thank those departments for extending mutual aid.”
Fire Department representatives shared some additional information on their social media account, noting that Starke County EMS also responded to the scene and La Crosse Fire Department was on standby at the San Pierre station to help cover the area.
No injuries were reported but officials did state that there were around 140 bales of hay inside that were burning along with many other contents.
The firefighters were on the scene for four hours and used around 35,000 gallons of water. FD reps noted that’s about 10 times as much as they typically use since the average house fire only requires anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 gallons.
The newly formed North Judson-Wayne Township FD Auxiliary was recognized for delivering some popsicles to help responders keep cool and providing pizza for everyone since most of them missed lunch.
Officials also extended their gratitude to Ed, Dave and Chris Lambert from Lambert Farms for providing assistance by pulling out smoldering bales and breaking them up with a pay-loader and excavator.
