MONROE – A storage building on the 105-year-old Steffen farm at 22013 Ben Howard Road burned to the ground on Wednesday, sending up a plume of smoke that could be seen for several miles.
The only injuries might have been to three newborn kittens in an adjacent barn, which suffered some smoke damage.
Farm owners Don and Elma Steffen said countless items were lost, including a tractor, lawn mower, chain saws, oil and propane tanks, tools, antique furniture and a piano.
“Fifteen minutes, and there was nothing left,” Elma Steffen said.
Monroe fire crews arrived at 2:57 p.m., 14 minutes after the 911 call, and quickly knocked down the blaze. Crews from Snohomish, Sultan and Duvall assisted. Ben Howard Road was temporarily closed.
Don Steffen was able to save a car that was parked inside.
“He did whatever any other old farmer would do – you save the equipment you can and the animals,” said neighbor Carolyn Blaisdell, who noticed the fire as she drove home and alerted the family.
Don Steffen was born in 1923 on the farm started by his father. He and his wife have suspended dairy operations there, but still raise champion heifers.
The fire marshal’s office will investigate the cause of the fire.
“With the amount of damage, it may be difficult to pin down,” Monroe Assistant Fire Chief Steve Guptill said.
Reporter Melissa Slager: 425-339-3465 or mslager@heraldnet.com.
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