THURSDAY, July 23, 2026|
Photo – Burning Barn – Courtesy Tyler Jones
A fire north of Hanna destroyed a historic barn. 
Barn - before the fire - Courtesy Sue Jones
Around 2:40 Tuesday afternoon, the Carbon County Fire Protection District received reports of a fire at 3075 County Road 291, approximately 30 miles north of Hanna. Fire Warden John Rutherford explained that 15 local and federal firefighters rushed to the scene.
Upon arrival, crews immediately began working to contain the blaze. Fire Warden Rutherford said that despite their efforts, two structures were destroyed: a mobile home and a historic barn.
Known as the Huhtula Barn, the structure stood for roughly a century. Commissioner Sue Jones, who grew up on the property and played in the barn as a child, said it was built using the Swedish cope method, making it among the strongest buildings in the county.
The property is now owned by Q Creek Ranch.
Fire Warden Rutherford said crews had the blaze under control by 9 o’clock Tuesday evening. Though the fire’s advance was slowed, the Huhtula Barn was completely destroyed. Rutherford said firefighters will continue to monitor the area to ensure the flames do not reignite in the dry weather.
Because the fire was far from town, Rutherford said response time was slow and the flames moved fast through the dry grasses around the barn. However, he said improved weather helped crews keep the blaze from spreading out of control.
Fire Warden Rutherford reminded residents that Carbon County is currently under Stage One fire restrictions and urged them to exercise extreme caution. He said the exceptionally dry weather has left the entire county vulnerable to wildfires.
Rutherford said the incident is still under investigation. Unconfirmed sources report that the blaze may have originated from a fire used to brand cattle.
No matter the cause, the Huhtula Barn is gone. Commissioner Sue Jones voiced her disappointment at losing the historic structure.
Fire Warden Rutherford thanked the volunteer firefighters who responded to the call. He said everyone, including himself, recognizes the services they provide.
According to the wildfire‑tracking website Watch Duty, the Kortes Fire, as it is called, was still active yesterday afternoon and had burned 8.7 acres. Crews will continue monitoring the area to ensure the flames do not spread any farther.
