Milltown - Originally dispatched at 10:00 AM as a field fire in the vicinity of Milltown Road and Limestone Road, the large column of black smoke soon proved to be more.  Within a minute the fire was redispatched for a barn fire at the same location.

Mill Creek Fire Company along with Cranston Heights, Belvedere, Hockessin and Elsmere Fire Companies were dispatched to the call.  The column of smoke could be seen up to eight miles away.

The barn was fully involved when firefighters arrived and is a total loss.  Numerous hose lines were placed in service around the barn to quell the flames which took about 30 minutes to accomplish.   There were no reports of injuries to firefighters.

It was reported the structure was being used by several people for shelter.  Evidence of clothing, bedding and food was found throughout the area.

Approximately 40 firefighters battled the blaze.  Over 1,200 feet of large diameter fire hose had to be laid from the nearest hydrant   Fire Police detoured traffic around Old Limestone Road and along Milltown Road. The State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.