Owls Head — An early morning fire destroyed a barn with a second-floor apartment at 24 Great Marsh Lane on May 3.

Fire Chief Frank Ross said the call came in at 3 a.m. and firefighters had the fire under control by 4:30 a.m. The scene was secured by 8 a.m.

"The barn was a total loss," said Ross. Damage was done to the house next to the barn, but the blaze was quelled in time to save it.

Daphne Ripley, a resident in the house, and her children were evacuated and unharmed, said Ross. He said he did not know how many children were at home. The house is habitable, he said.

Tenants renting the apartment in the barn were not at home at the time.

The state fire marshal was expected later in the day to investigate and determine the cause of the fire, Ross said.

No one among the firefighters was hurt. Helping the Owls Head department were fire departments from South Thomaston, Rockland and St. George, which provided a tanker, Ross said.

Courier Publications reporter George Chappell may be reached at 207-594-4401, ext. 117, or at gchappell@villagesoup.com.

A fire consumes a barn with a second-floor apartment in Owls Head early May 3. (Courtesy of: Alan Athearn, Rockland Fire Department)

(Courtesy of: Maynard Stanley Jr.)