Hartley, Iowa — A barn was destroyed in a fire on Thursday, March 27, 2025, near Hartley.
According to Hartley Fire Chief Brad Meendering, at approximately 3:40 p.m., the Hartley Fire Department was dispatched to a significant grass fire located just outside of Hartley at 6521 330th Street — three-quarters of a mile west of Hartley’s southwest corner or about a half a mile south of the Valero ethanol plant.
The fire, originating from a burning tree pile, had spread to a barn, causing substantial damage. Firefighters prioritized protecting surrounding buildings, including a pole building and a machine shed.
Meendering says the ambulance was called for a tenant.
The fire department was assisted by the Sanborn and Primghar fire departments.
He says the cause of the fire appeared to be a burning barrel fire that went out of control.
Chief Meendering reports that the barn was totaled in the blaze, which also damaged some trees in the grove, but the pole building and machine shed were saved.
He says the firefighters who responded were on the scene for at least six hours. Meendering says as of Friday afternoon, there were still hot spots that were ongoing concerns.
