(Wapello, IA) -- Multiple fire departments were called out to help contain a fire at a pole barn on Tuesday in rural Wapello.
Wapello Fire and Rescue say around Tuesday afternoon, crews were called to a fire in the 13100 block of 40th Street. The Morning Sun and Oakville Fire departments were called in for assistance.
Firefighters say they could see the heavy smoke from over five miles away. When firefighters arrived on scene, they found the pole barn engulfed in flames. The pole barn was located over 400 feet away from the nearest road. Crews had to drag hoses up a hill to fight the fire, which was fueled by a large amount of wood and chemicals stored inside the building. Wapello Fire and Rescue say the building had been utilized as a workshop.
Firefighters quickly put out the fire and remained on scene till after 5:00 Tuesday night. No one was home at the time of the fire. Investigators say the pole barn is now considered a total loss.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
(Photo by KWQC / Wapello Fire Department)