JACKSON, Miss. – Damage was being assessed Friday after a large scale fire destroyed three buildings at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum Thursday afternoon.
The barn, which includes the show barn and barnyard, was completely destroyed, but the animals housed in the barn were able to make it out safely thanks to employees. Also, the veterinary clinic next the barn and the maintenance building were destroyed. The maintenance building held all of equipment used at the museum including tools, tractors, and golf carts. Agriculture Commissioner Cindy Hyde Smith said on the Paul Gallo Radio Show that she suspects some artifacts stored in the maintenance building were lost in the fire.
Smith also said she was told by Governor Phil Bryant whatever deductible the Agriculture Commission received for losses, they would receive help from the state.
Friday, the Fire Marshall’s office continued to investigate the cause of the fire. It is believed to have started from an electrical problem, but no official confirmation.
One employed did receive a minor injury.
“When she saw the smoke, they went in to knock the locks off of all the animals’ pins. We lock them in there to keep them secure. So we got all the animals out. She has a gash on her head, and she was really at trooper to go in there and save all the animals and get them out safely,” said Smith.
