Harvey’s Honey – a longtime Cowley County company – sustained damage to a warehouse and inventory in a structure fire early Monday morning. Lightning associated with a thunderstorm is a suspected cause.
Around 4 a.m., Fire crews were called to 1507 S. Second in Ark City for the report of the blaze at a large warehouse. Police arrived on the scene first and advised that a portion of the building was on fire.
“We arrived to find heavy fire rolling out of the windows and eaves,” Ark City Fire Dept. Capt. Josh Bowker said Tuesday. “It’s a large building, though, so fortunately we were able to keep portions of it untouched.”
An approximately 40-by-100 feet, two-story barn area with open-air access sustained much of the damage. The east roof section of the north portion of the building was consumed by fire.
Honey inventory, tools and equipment were said to be lost. Damage estimates exceed $100,000.
“A bright flash and thunder clap were heard,” Bowker said. “So, this is probably due to a lightning strike.”
No injuries were reported.
Winfield Fire Dept. assisted in fighting the fire. Water issues with a nearby hydrant led to tanker trucks from Udall, Burden and Dexter bringing water to the scene.
Cowley County property records show the trust of Richard and Vickie Harvey as property owner.
