SHAWANO COUNTY, Wis. – A fire destroyed a barn in the Town of Waukechon on Tuesday evening, sending smoke through a nearby grain silo.

Firefighters responded to the scene around 5 p.m. on Swamp Road near County Road K. Upon arrival, crews encountered a downed power line across the road, requiring them to divide their response efforts.

Firefighters used a backhoe to remove burning silage to fully extinguish the flames.

Officials are working with the farm owner to account for cattle, but it was not immediately clear if any animals were lost.

Cold temperatures in the teens created additional challenges for crews, with icy roads making water transport more difficult.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Wisconsin Public Service was on-site to clear the downed power line, though officials have not confirmed whether it contributed to the fire.

Swamp Road near County Road K was closed for several hours as crews worked at the scene.

Photo: Courtesy of Daniel Entringer