BARN DESTROYED, HOMES SAVED AFTER FIRE IN CHAPPELL HILL

  

Firefighters from across Washington County responded this (Tuesday) morning to a barn fire in Chappell Hill that nearly spread to two nearby homes.

Units were called out to a structure fire just before 9:45 a.m. in the 9700 block of Sauney Chapel Road.

According to Chappell Hill Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Mathew Kolajajak, a barn caught fire after a homeowner had finished mowing their yard and put the lawnmower back into the barn. 

Kolajajak said Chappell Hill volunteer units were the first on scene, followed by the Brenham Fire Department.  An all-call was issued for other county departments to bring water tenders.  In total, engines from the Chappell Hill, Brenham and Meyersville fire departments were on scene, along with tenders from the Chappell Hill, Meyersville, Washington, Berlin, Gay Hill, Burton and Prairie Hill departments. 

Also responding were the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and EMS.  The Washington County Engineering and Development Services Department brought a backhoe to help with cleanup and dismantle the remainder of the building for firefighters to reach hot spots that were still burning.  Units remained on scene until around 3 p.m. 

Kolajajak said the barn was a total loss, but two houses were saved.  No injuries or loss of life were reported.