GILMAN — The Gilman and Laurel fire departments responded to a barn fire west of Gilman on Friday night that is believed to be suspicious.

According to a press release, the Marshall County Communications Center took multiple calls on the incident that stated there were multiple explosions and possibly more than one structure involved, and the departments were dispatched at approximately 5:29 p.m.

Due to information received and a visible dark black smoke cloud that could be seen from 10 miles away, mutual aid was requested from the Grinnell, Le Grand and Haverhill fire departments. First arriving units on scene found a small agricultural building that was fully involved and collapsed prior to their arrival.

Two 1.75-inch attack lines were utilized to extinguish the fire and used approximately 5,000 gallons of water. The building and its contents are considered a total loss and no other structures were damaged. No firefighters or bystanders were injured as a result of the fire or explosions.

“We consider this fire to be suspicious in nature and assume foul play was involved. We do not believe there to be a threat to other structures or residences at this time, but encourage homeowners and property owners that if you see something that seems suspicious or out of place, please call local authorities immediately,” the release said.

Along with Laurel FD and Marshall County 911, Le Grand Fire & EMS, the Grinnell Fire Department and the Haverhill Fire Dept provided mutual aid.

Any questions, comments or concerns about the incident can be directed to Chief Jacob Patterson by calling the station at 641-498-0911.