Photos by Sam McIntosh

Five area fire departments responded to three structure fires in rural Wellman Tuesday.

According to the Kalona Fire Department at approximately 12:08 p.m. they were called to respond to several round bales of hay on fire at 1940 135th Street. The fire then spread to a barn and two other buildings on the property. Flower beds near the residence were also on fire when agencies responded. Two of the buildings were a complete loss. There were no livestock in the buildings and no injuries were reported. Cause of the fire has not been officially determined, but there was a burning brush pile on the north side of the property. Keota, Riverside, Washington, and Wellman Fire Departments responded, as well as Kalona First Responders, Washington County Ambulance, and Washington County Sheriff’s Office.