Bear Creek Dairy owners find silver lining after fire destroyed a building filled with hay, tractors, tools and ag equipment

​      One of the three tractors sits among a pile of scrap metal from the fire that destroyed an agriculture building at Bear Creek Dairy north of Brooklyn on Tuesday, June 27. Nine fire departments and other emergency personal were on the scene most of the night fighting the fire.

By J.O. Parker
 
      Jan and Dorine Boelen, owners of Bear Creek Dairy north of Brooklyn, are counting their blessings following a fire late last month that destroyed an agriculture building and other equipment on their property.
The fire was reported at around 9:10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27. Bear Creek Dairy is located at 1582 370th Ave., Brooklyn.
        The Brooklyn Fire Department began immediately requesting mutual aid from neighboring departments. The fire was contained to a 180-foot by 120-foot building. No other buildings were damaged in the fire.
       Helping Brooklyn fight the fire were fire departments from Chelsea, Victor, Hartwick, Deep River, Malcom, Montezuma, Searsboro and Grinnell. Also on the scene were East Poweshiek Ambulance, Poweshiek County Emergency Management, Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Seaton Construction of Deep River, who provided an excavator to assist with operations and TIP/REC who provided assistance with power.
      It was reported that emergency personnel were on the scene most of the night, many returning home in time to leave for their day jobs.
       One firefighter was transported, treated and released with minor injuries. No other injuries or damages to civilians or animals was reported.
      The building and contents were a complete loss and early estimates set the damage at more than one million dollars. Dorine said the building housed hay, straw, three tractors, including a late 60s Volvo BM tractor, two grain wagons, other agriculture equipment, tools, spare parts and supplies.
        The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. 
     “We are forever grateful for the fire departments and emergency responders who came from everywhere,” said Dorine. “The outpouring and the support and prayers of the community is unbelievable.”
     Dorine said area residents provided snacks, food and water for the emergency personnel during the fire. Others have provided hay, straw and support since the fire.
      Plans are to replace the building, along with the tractors and other agriculture equipment.
      The Boelen family has operated the dairy farm since 2009. It was first constructed in 2006. The dairy milks 1,700 cows three times daily and is in operation with two shifts 23-hours a day. Sixteen full-time workers are employed at the dairy along with a host of summer helpers.
      The dairy produces three bulk tanks of milk daily, which is purchased by Prairie Farms Dairy.
     “There’s a silver lining in everything,” said Dorine. “No one was hurt and we didn’t lose any animals. We are so thankful for everyone’s help.”

​      Burnt tool boxes and other equipment remain following a fire that destroyed an agriculture building and equipment at Bear Creek Dairy north of Brooklyn on Tuesday, June 27. Nine fire departments and other emergency personal were on the scene most of the night fighting the fire.

​       Damaged equipment waits to be loaded into dumpsters and hauled to the scrapyard following a fire on Tuesday, June 27 that destroyed an agriculture building at Bear Creek Dairy north of Brooklyn. Nine fire departments and other emergency personal were on the scene most of the night fighting the fire.