HVFD respond to structure fire

A structure fire believed to be electrical in origin caused significant damage to a building being used for storage just outside Hallettsville over the weekend.

The Hallettsville Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) responded to the fire at 2743 US Hwy 90A East, which was reported near a utility pole on the east side of the building. Upon arrival, crews found flames in that area and smoke coming from the rest of the structure according to Fire Chief Stephen Grahmann.

No one was inside the building at the time of the fire. Firefighters quickly shut off the power and contacted San Bernard Electric Cooperative to secure the electrical supply. HVFD crews pulled four hose lines to attack the fire and called in assistance from the Sweet Home Volunteer Fire Department, which sent two trucks to help supply water.

Firefighters initially knocked down the blaze from the outside before entering the building to extinguish the remaining fire. The fire was stopped before it reached the entire building, but smoke damage was reported throughout the structure.

According to the property owner, the building had been used for storage. The power had previously been turned off when the building was not in use. On the day of the fire, the owner restored power to retrieve some belongings. Shortly after entering, he experienced electrical issues, exited the building, and saw flames near the point where the electrical service entered the structure.

Investigators believe the fire was likely electrical in nature, possibly caused by a leak near the breaker box or rodents chewing on wiring.

No injuries were reported.