(Marne, Iowa) – Several area fire departments were dispatched to a large structure fire this (Sunday) afternoon, near westbound Interstate 80 at mile marker 51 (Marne Exit). The call about the blaze on the Steve Skow property north of the Interstate, at 50391 560th Street, went out at 12:30-p.m. Responding crews included those from Marne, Atlantic, Avoca, Walnut, Harlan, Elk Horn and Kimballton.

According to Marne Fire Chief Josh Krause, the building housed farm equipment, chemicals, seed, and vehicles, along with an office. The structure and its contents were a total loss. The cause of the fire was deemed accidental, as trash that was being burned near building started a few pallets on fire. The flames then spread into the building.

Photo courtesy Cass County Emergency Management Director Mike Kennon.

No injuries were reported. A second, separate fire which began as a controlled burn in Audubon County, spread to a field/grassy area at 3328 Pheasant Avenue, at around 2:40 p.m., Sunday. Crews from Exira, Anita and Wiota responded to the scene.