DORSET, Ohio — A blazing fire broke out in Dorset at Comp Dairy Farm on Sunday evening, leading to a mass evacuation of cows.
According to Dorset Fire Department Chief Jared Rogge, just before 7:30 p.m., the department responded to the fire and extinguished it by 9 p.m.
Rogge says family members of the farm were working when the fire started.
The dairy farm, the largest in Ashtabula County, is home to about 1,100 cows. No people were injured during the fire, but "a few animals" died, said owner Jerry Comp.
Three to four barns, including the parlor where cows are milked, were damaged by the fire.
A friend of the Comp Dairy Farm Owners said the cows were contained so they could be transported to other locations to be fed and milked.
Early this morning, News 5 saw a line of animal trailers leading up to the farm.
Since last night, farms in the area, as well as across state lines, have taken in cows to be milked, according to Comp.
"They have to be milked three times a day. If not, they're not gonna survive. So we moved them on to other farms. I want to say thank you to all them people," said Comp.
Said Mandy Orahood, Director of Ohio Farm Bureau: "We've got volunteers showing up to drive. We've got big trucks coming in, and we've got farms, dairy farms that have offered."
The farm has belonged to five generations of the Comp family since 1885. It produces up to 10,000 pounds of milk a day, according to the Ohio Farm Bureau.
News 5's Kaylee Olivas was on the scene and was told that 18 fire departments from Ashtabula and Vienna Township were there helping to reduce the flames.
The State Fire Marshall is investigating.
Community members donated dozens of cases of water as well as food to those emergency service members.
"I know a lot of my family has been here. I know a lot of our friends and neighbors have been here. So it's almost like we're just working with family," said Hannah Fowler, a neighbor who showed up to assist.
By 11:30 p.m., firefighters were rolling hoses and packing up.
There was still a cloud of smoke in the air.
Monday afternoon, the Dorst Fire Department released the following statement regarding the fire:
"On behalf of everyone involved in last night’s response at Comp Dairy Farm, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all who assisted in controlling the fire. This was an immense task, and thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of so many, we were able to bring the situation under control in an efficient and timely manner.
We witnessed incredible support from our local community, as well as fire departments from across Ashtabula County, Trumbull County, Geauga County, and Crawford County, PA. Over 70 firefighters worked tirelessly for many hours, not only battling the fire but ensuring thorough overhaul operations to prevent further risk.
A special thank you goes out to the excavators and their operators whose expertise and equipment played a critical role in containing the fire. The resources they provided made a significant difference in the success of our efforts.
In addition to the firefighters, the generosity of community members who donated food and drinks helped keep our crews hydrated and nourished throughout the long hours of work. Your contributions, whether big or small, were vital in supporting our first responders on the scene.
We cannot thank everyone enough for their selflessness, bravery, and commitment to protecting Comp Dairy Farm. 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.
As of now, the fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal's Office, and we will provide updates as information becomes available.
Once again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you to all the fire departments, community members, and volunteers who contributed their time, resources, and expertise. Without each and every one of you, we would not have had such a positive outcome."
