Cattle rescued from barn fire.

Cattle rescued from barn fire.

#OceanaCountyNews

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

BENONA TOWNSHIP — Five cattle were rescued from a fast-moving barn fire Wednesday night, May 16, on 64th Avenue near Shelby.

Four fire departments, including Shelby-Benona, Hart, Ferry Township and Grant Township, battled the fire that was reported at 9:22 p.m.

Owner Jim Brown said his riding lawn mower caused the fire, which ignited in a shop area behind the barn where the mower was parked. Brown said he had used the mower earlier.

The cattle were rescued by his neighbor who owns some of the animals, Brown said.

His insurance on the barn, which was built in the 1800s, is for demolition only. Brown, who has retired from farming, said he does not plan to rebuild.

He lost some tractors and hand tools, but “nothing of any great value.”

A passerby apparently called 911, he said.

The barn was located at 2954 S. 64th Avenue south of Shelby Road near US 31.

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