A barn in the Gore Community was completely destroyed by fire Tuesday afternoon, with fermentation of stored wet hay determined to be the cause of the blaze. Fire departments from multiple agencies responded to the incident on Bill Mitchell Road, which resulted in a total loss of the structure and its contents.

At approximately 2:09 PM on Tuesday, Gore, Subligna, and Hays Fire Departments were dispatched to a reported barn fire located at 145 Bill Mitchell Road. Upon arrival, fire units encountered a fully involved, open-sided structure that was packed with round bales of hay, already engulfed in flames.

Due to the remote location of the barn and an inoperable fire hydrant nearby, additional resources were immediately requested. Tanker 1 from Chattoogaville Fire and Station 9 from Summerville Fire were dispatched to assist with water supply and firefighting efforts.

Despite the rapid response and combined efforts of the fire agencies, the intensity of the blaze and the combustible nature of the hay led to the complete destruction of the barn and its contents.

Following an interview with the property owners, investigators determined the ignition source was the spontaneous combustion caused by the fermentation of wet rolls of stored hay.

Other agencies that responded to the scene included FLOYD Atrium EMS, Chattooga County Sheriff’s Officers, and the Chattooga County Water Department, ensuring safety and coordinating resources during the incident.