When word got out that there was a fire at the Norton Farm on Lockport road in Oakfield, not only did five fire companies respond, but the farming community and neighbors showed up to assist.
With the east side of their barn on fire, about 150-200 head of cattle broke out of the barn on the west side, running for safety from the very smoky fire that quickly engulfed the feed side of the barn that also contained some equipment.
Neighbors and other farmers soon swarmed the area along with fire crews.
While the firefighters curtailed the spread of the fire to neighboring barns, the Oakfield/Elba community corralled the large amount of cows that were now loose.
Driving into the scene, there were many people running, shouting and herding the scared and nervous cows down the middle of the road away from the cornfields to another barn nearby at the Norton Farm.
The roof of the fully involved barn collapsed upon arrival, and crews approached with an exterior attack. According to Oakfield Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Mcintire, there were five cows that were injured and being looked at by a veterinarian. It was not clear if any cows perished in the blaze.
One Elba firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and was checked out by Mercy EMS. Unknow if he was transported to the hospital.
Mcintire says the cause of the fire is believed to have been a skidster that was being used that was just parked in the barn next to the hay.
Oakfield fire crews were able to get the fire under control using the Town of Batavia’s ladder truck along with assistance from Elba, Alabama, and the City of Batavia Fire Departments. Genesee County Emergency Management was also on scene to assist with the investigation along with Mercy EMS.