Bio: Pernsteiner, Tom (Barn Saved from Fire – 1973)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Pernsteiner

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Loyal, Wis.) 04 Oct 1973

It was a hard fought battle Friday, but the efforts of the Granton and Chili (Clark Co., Wis.)Fire Departments and dozens of neighbors and volunteers won out in the end, as they save a 36 x 100 foot barn on the Tom Persteiner farm, Route 1, Granton, from burning.

The Granton firemen received a call about 9 a.m., when Pernsteiner note smoke coming from the barn. Upon their arrival, they began removing the hay in an attempt to get at the base of the fire.

A short time later the Chili Fire Department came to their aid and began working from the opposite end of the building. They were joined by dozens of volunteers who helped pitch the hay into the barnyard.

At times it was feared the building would be lost, as flames appeared through the cracks in the sides of the barn and the metal roof showed signs of scorching. Thanks to the use of two taker trucks, the fire was kept contained. May of the rafters were scorched and some badly burned. Most of the hay removed and scattered in the yard was ruined.

By shortly after noon the Chili Fire Department was able to leave, as the blaze was under control. The Granton Department remained on the scene until late in the afternoon.

The firemen and volunteers were fed by housewives from the area, who prepared and served a meal at noon.