Burning One the Hard Way

Drakes Branch, Keysville and Charlotte Court House fire departments responded Wednesday morning to a tobacco barn fire just off Mt. Harmony Road in Keysville.

The fire was started in a bulk tobacco barn by a malfunctioning heater.  Tim Napier, owner of the tobacco, stated he was fortunate that they were working in the adjoining packing shed when the fire started.  He was also fortunate that he had a filled water truck nearby and was able to contain the blaze until the fire departments arrived. Napier said the Drakes Branch Department was on the scene within 15 minutes with Keysville arriving a few minutes later.

The tobacco was removed from the barn but it is too early to determine if it can be saved. The value of a bulk barn of tobacco is approximately $7500.00.