Several animals were k
illed in a barn fire early Thursday morning at Ybema Farms in Hopkins Township.
Authorities indicated the fire started overnight by some kind of electrical spark. Local firefighters arrived at the scene at 6th Street and 128th Avenue in Hopkins Township, east of Hopkins.at about 2 a.m. Thursday.
The structure was considered a total loss, including equipment and feed, and more than a dozen young cattle died. Other animals inside suffered serious burns.
Farm owner Marty Ybema said neighbors since have been helping with feeding surviving animals.
Nathaniel Hoekstra is organizing a GoFundMe page to help the family in the aftermath. The post says, “We had 40 young cattle in our barn as it caught fire in the early morning hours of June 15. Fifteen are already dead and many many more are seriously injured and burned. We are very thankful for the amazing fire departments and others that have generously helped in the tragic event. We are truly grateful for any support that is generously offered.”
The Wayland, Yankee Springs, Martin, Salem and Dorr Fire Departments and Wayland Area EMS assisted at the scene. Leighton Township was has moved up into the Wayland station.
