2130 hours on Tuesday July 24^th the Benton Fire Department was dispatched to a reported barn fire on Flat Street.  BFD 1^st Asst. Chief Matt Perry called enroute and requested mutual tankers aid from Bellona and Penn Yan Fire.  Upon arrival a second alarm was issued for a full response from Penn Yan.  There were several hazards noted on the scene including power lines, another near by smaller barn and the continuing threat of a wall collapse. BFD PT-19 committed to the fire from the north and PYFD E-1 committed from the south.  Firefighters made an aggressive attack but due to a heavy fire load the 100’ x 40’barn was a complete loss.  The owner of the barn produced high end specialty furniture for clients throughout the United States and Canada.  During the fire over 18 agencies responded to the call for mutual aid including Penn Yan Fire, Penn Yan Ambulance, Yates ALS, Bellona Fire, Branchport/Keuka Park Fire, Dresden Fire, Dundee Fire, Himrod Fire, Middlesex Fire, Potter Fire, Rushville Fire, Hall Fire, Gorham Fire, Stanley Fire, White Springs Fire, West Lake Road Fire, Wayne Fire, and Tyrone Fire.

Penn Yan cleared the scene at 0139 hours the following day while Benton was on scene well into the morning.  Benton and Penn Yan responded during the following day to extinguish several hot spots.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time.

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