Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
ATWOOD - A fire that destroyed a barn Sunday morning proves that accidents do happen close to home.
Atwood Fire Chief Mike Harmon was at home about 11 a.m. when a neighbor pulled into his driveway because there was smoke coming from Harmon's barn on CR 500W.
The efforts of the Atwood, Leesburg, Etna Green and Warsaw fire departments proved futile, though, and the barn and its contents were a total loss.
The fire also damaged the Harmons' home and an outbuilding. Among the items destroyed in the blaze were Harmon's semi tractor used in the operation of Mike Harmon Trucking Co., other vehicles, three antique tractors, several three- and four-wheelers, motorcycles, a backhoe and lawn mowers.
Harmon's wife, Kathy, said her husband is a real stickler for safety and doesn't permit the use of candles and extension cords because he knows the possible dangers. She said the barn was very old, but the wiring was new before Harmon allowed the structure to be used for a shop and storage.
A cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Harmon has been a firefighter for more than 30 years and has served as Atwood's chief for 15 years.
