Fire burns Sebastopol-area barn, shop

Fire destroyed a restored barn and wood-working shop Sunday southwest of Sebastopol, according to a Gold Ridge fire official.

The Blank Road fire was reported at about 7:20 p.m.

Battalion Chief Darrin DeCarli said it appeared to arriving firefighters that the fire had been burning for some time as they found the structure engulfed in flames. They later learned the large structure housed a wood-working shop where the owner made picture frames and held a large amount of old redwood and old barn siding. The wood stored inside added to the intensity of the fire and explained why the flames were so intense when they first arrived, DeCarli said.

A few walls remained Monday morning but the barn suffered significant damage. A financial loss hadn’t yet been estimated but the owner lost numerous tools and machinery and items stored in the barn as well. An attempt Monday morning to determine the cause of the fire was unsuccessful due to the extent of the damage.

A Gold Ridge engine arrived within eight minutes and was first to the call, which was near Braehurst Lane, according to dispatch records. Rancho Adobe and Cal Fire agencies also responded.