The abandoned Bauch barn on Clover Street in Hamlin was donated by Wayne Bauch to the Hamlin Fire Department for disposal. The controlled burn was scheduled for Saturday, January 13; a cold morning with a slight wind from the northwest and just a touch of snow-rain in the air; perfect conditions for burning the barn down with little risk of damage to any other building or trees. The Hamlin Fire Department has put together a plan that provided for safety of the firemen involved, property owners and the general community. They were joined in the effort by firemen and equipment from Walker and Morton. Hamlin Pumper 243 was stationed at the northwest end of the barn, supplying water used to control the burn and protect the Bauch house; Walker Pumper 282, in action for the very first time, was used to provide water to control the burn and protect overhead wires south of the barn. At right, collapsing timber, raging flames and charred wood presents a surreal effect after about 25 minutes into the burn. Photos by Walter Horylev. January 21, 2007 |
