Fire damages Lebanon Livestock Auction

LEBANON, Mo. -- Fire destroyed the Lebanon Livestock Auction Tuesday, but no people or animals were hurt, officials said.

Auction co-owner Kelly Crane said the fire started about 7 a.m. around a burner in the kitchen as several employees were preparing for a dairy sale that afternoon.

Co-owner Ed Ford said about 300 head of cattle were in pens connected to the auction barn when the fire started, but no injuries were reported.

The business's office, restaurant, sale barn, scales and computerized equipment were destroyed, and Ford said he was uncertain if the auction would rebuild.

Ford said as many as 40 people work for the auction, including several area youth who ride horses for him.

"This community has been real good to us," Ford said. "I hate for this to happen."

Up to 1,000 head of cattle had been expected at the barn for the afternoon dairy cattle auction, which was moved to Springfield.

"If the buyers show up, we may go ahead and have an old-time farm auction," Ford said. "The cattle are all good and safe on feed and water."

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On the Net:

Lebanon Livestock Auction: http://www.lebanonlivestockauction.com/