An overnight fire destroyed a cattle feed operation in southern Jefferson County.
Flames were spotted between two large grain elevators at Houghton Feed & Farm Supply, State Route 193, about 2:30 a.m.
The fire burned fiercely, with flames shooting to the height of the elevators before firefighters began dousing it with water.
Deputy Fire Coordinator Bob Simpson said once firefighters ran five-inch lines from a nearby pond, they were able to pump about 3,000 gallons a minute at the flames.
While the feed operation was mostly destroyed, firefighters saved a dairy barn only about 50 feet away, a major accomplishment, Simpson said.
A farm supply retail store on the property was not touched by flames.
The feed business operated four large trucks, one of which was in or near rear buildings and was destroyed. Employees on scene estimated its cost at $200,000.
National Grid crews were on scene in the fire's aftermath, replacing a pole and transformers that were destroyed.
Fire investigators were also on scene, waiting to get into the ruins to begin their probe. So far there is no indication of what may have sparked the blaze.
