Friday October 4th, 2013 at 10:00am, the 911 communication center advised St. Stephens Fire of an unknown type fire with several reports of heavy black smoke in the area of Sipes Orchard Home and GDS off Section House Rd. The 911 callers reported visible flames shooting 50ft to 60ft. in the air. St. Stephens Fire Department personnel responded to the area to investigate. Flames and heavy black smoke was visible and confirmed in the area. Station 4 fire personnel checked LB Propst Dr. near the property of Sipes Orchard Home and arrived to find a fully involved barn fire. The 2-story approx. 75 x 100ft. barn was involved with heavy fire throughout the entire structure with a nearby structure threatened. Station 4 firefighter on the scene requested a structure fire dispatch for St. Stephens Fire Department as well as Conover Fire mutual aid for manpower and a tanker. The NC Forest Service was requested to respond due to a loose grass fire in a field approaching a wooded area. The Fire Marshalls Office was notified to respond to assist with the fire investigation. Hickory Fire engine 2 responded to St. Stephens Fire Department station 1 to stand by for district coverage in the event of additional emergency calls in the St. Stephens Fire protection district.

No occupants were home in the nearby residence at the time of the Fire Department arrival. Station 4 on the scene requested a second alarm for additional manpower. A total of 17 fire personnel gained control and contained the fire within 35 minutes of arrival. Approx. 30 gallons of foam and approx. 40,000 – 50,000 gallons of water were used in the fire extinguishing efforts. St. Stephens Fire Department responded with 2 engines, 2 tankers, a brush unit, and a QRV. Conover Fire Department responded with a tanker and personnel. Catawba County EMS responded for Firefighter rehab. Max Digging Service and Barger equipment was requested and responded with a tractor and track hoe to assist with overhaul operations to assure that the fire was completely extinguished.

Fire officials were on the scene approx. 4 hours to conduct the investigation and extinguishment of the fire. No injuries were reported. The structure and its contents were considered a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation.