Cliff Pinckard
cleveland.com
(TNS)
DORSET TOWNSHIP, Ohio — More than 70 firefighters responded to a large fire Sunday night at an Ashtabula County dairy farm, which killed multiple cows and caused extensive damage to the facility, officials say.
Jared Rogge, chief of the Dorset Township Fire Department, says in a news release that the State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire at Comp Dairy Farm, 3015 Allen-Comp Road.
Rogge says firefighters from Ashtabula County, Trumbull County, Geauga County, and Pennsylvania responded to the blaze Sunday night. It reportedly took about two hours to contain the fire.
“Over 70 firefighters worked tirelessly for many hours, not only battling the fire but ensuring thorough overhaul operations to prevent further risk,” he says.
Jerry Comp, whose family owns the farm, tells WKYC Channel 3 he believes an electrical issue at a water pump might have started the fire.
“I seen (sic) the fire when it was small and it just took off,” Comp tells WKYC. “Wasn’t a lot I could do but get the cows out.”
There are about 2,000 cows on the farm, according to the facility’s website. The fire left hundreds of cows with no place to be milked, so area farmers have helped the family by taking care of the cows, WKYC reports.
Comp’s daughter, Elisha Gozzard, tells The Star-Beacon that several cows had to be euthanized because of burns. But reports say the damage could have been much worse.
“We cannot thank everyone enough for their selflessness, bravery, and commitment to protecting Comp Dairy Farm,” Rogge says in the news release. “This successful response was made possible because of the dedication shown by every individual, team, and organization that came together in this time of need.”
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