Nowakowski farm dealt devastating blow after hay barn fire

MCLOUD, Okla. (KFOR) — A very well-rooted Oklahoma farm is facing a massive loss after flames tore through a barn at the Nowakowski Farms in McLoud.

The barn had been burning for hours on Friday afternoon. Firefighters said it will keep burning until it puts itself out. Standing by the road, one could hear the flames crackling, feel the heat, and smell the smoke.

“Stuck my head out the back door. Well, neighbor’s barn’s on fire,” said John Greenlee, who lives by the barn.

A beloved staple went up in flames before sunrise early Friday morning. One of the Nowakowski brothers lives just in front of the barn. He was alerted by the dogs.

The Nowakowski Farm has been in McLoud for decades. It’s a summer tradition for many families to come and load up on sweet corn. Reminders of their work now lay on the ground in front of the barn.

Firefighters said the best option is to let what’s left burn.

“We’re kind of just waiting it out at this point,” said Captain Richard Salzer of the McLoud Fire Department. “As soon as we get a chance to go in and do a little more digging we may be able to know a little more.”

Inside the barn is a season’s worth of hay. Off camera, family told News 4 it was heartbreaking to see all their hard work go up in flames.

They also store farm equipment in the barn. We’re told the combine in the back was supposed to harvest soy beans this weekend. Now it’s just charred remains.

While News 4 was on the scene, we saw family and friends spraying a tree line and moving dirt to hopefully prevent the flames from spreading.

On the other side of the tree line is John Greenlee’s property. All day, he had been keeping an eye on the flames.

“They’re so good to us and this community,” said Greenlee.

Greenlee said the Nowakowski’s will not rebuild on their own.

“When they need help, everybody pitches together to help them out,” said Greenlee.

Firefighters at the scene said they have to wait until the flames die down to determine a cause.

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