It took three fire departments shuttling water to the scene of a fire to extinguish the flames Thursday night.
A large barn, located in the 3000 block of Highway 42 in the Willow Spring community caught fire.
A family member and witness who lived nearby said a gathering had been held in the barn. About two hours later there was the sound of an explosion and the barn was fully engulfed in flames.
Bystanders said flames from the fire were shooting into the air higher than surrounding trees. A neighbor said they saw the fire and stepped outside just as a propane tank exploded then shot across a field.
There were no fire hydrants near the barn, so crews from Fuquay Varina, Fairview and Garner Fire Departments had to bring in water on tankers to spray on the fire. Witnesses said firefighters did an excellent job saving a nearby house that was endangered by the flames.
The barn contained several pieces of equipment include a tractor, forklift, hay bailer and truck that were lost.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Photos by JoCoFire.com
