MONETT, Mo. – A devastating barn fire on Saturday morning has left a local farming family grappling with an estimated $100,000 in damage. The blaze consumed two tractors, a four‑wheeler used for fence‑line checks, a baler, a full set of tractor tools, and 200 bales of hay that represented a full year’s worth of work.
Family describes the loss
Francisco Aldaba, the son of the farm’s owner, recounted the frantic moments when his father called to warn that the barn was ablaze. “I answered it, and he answered panicked,” Aldaba said. “The barn is on fire, the farm is on fire.” He added that the fire was overwhelming and that he could not see anything left standing.
Aldaba listed the specific equipment lost: “We lost two tractors, a four‑wheeler we used to check fence lines, we lost a baler, we lost a section full of tractor tools we used to work the cattle.” The loss of the 200 bales of hay is especially critical because Missouri’s ongoing drought forced the family to use part of its hay early this season. Without the stored hay, the herd faces a severe winter‑feed shortage.
Community response and appeal for help
Local farmers have already begun to rally around the Aldaba family, offering spare equipment and donating hay. “We’ve been able to manage so far thanks to the Monett community,” Aldaba said, emphasizing the importance of neighborly support during the crisis.
The family is still in need of additional assistance. “Any help whatsoever, whether that’s equipment, borrowing equipment, some hay bales, anything, financial help. Any help whatsoever would be useful,” Aldaba pleaded.
Those wishing to contribute can reach out to the Monett Rural Fire District via Facebook Messenger or contact Fire Chief Jeff Privett at 417‑342‑9912.
Cause under investigation
The fire’s origin remains unknown. Firefighters suspect the blaze may have started inside the barn and then traveled along the fence line to ignite the hay bales, but a definitive cause has not yet been determined.
Local officials and emergency responders are continuing to investigate the incident while the community works to provide the resources needed for the farm’s recovery. The Aldaba family hopes to rebuild the barn and replace the lost equipment before the harsh winter months set in.
How you can help
- Donate spare farm equipment or tools.
- Contribute hay bales or other feed supplies.
- Offer financial assistance through the Monett Rural Fire District.
- Spread the word to encourage broader community support.
The farm’s resilience, bolstered by the generosity of Monett residents, underscores the strength of our local agricultural community in times of crisis.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
