CENTREVILLE, MI (WTVB) – Centreville Fire Chief Dave Miracle says a shorted out power line caused last Saturday’s fire which destroyed a barn at the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds and caused $2-point-8 million in damages.
Dave Miracle says the powerline came from the power pole to the weather head on Barn #42. It shorted out and caused arching and sparking, which resulted in the roof on the barn to catch on fire.
The high wind conditions last Saturday caused the fire to spread quickly across the tar coated roof.
Besides the building, the contents inside were lost in the blaze. A marina had rented the entire barn, and about 26 boats and trailers were being stored in the barn at the time of the fire.
Barns #41 and #43 were damaged due to the intense heat. There was damage to 2 large trees and power/internet connections.
Fair Manager Christina Yunker and the St. Joseph County Grange Fair Board of Directors says they will continue to keep the fairgrounds closed until clean up is finished for the safety and security of everyone.
Their goal is to restore normalcy as quickly as possible, while allowing the continued inspections and assessments from insurance companies.
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