LOXLEY, Ala. — An 80-year-old barn at 3205 N. Holly St. in Loxley burned to its foundation Monday afternoon. No one, and no animals were hurt in the fire, said Loxley Fire Chief Timothy Curry.

“The fire is under investigation,” said Curry, “but so far, we don’t think arson was a factor.” Curry added that he believed that burning trash was a factor in the fire’s start.

Curry said that it appeared the barn had been used for storing hay.

Curry credited the Silverhill, Stapleton, and Belforest fire departments for providing mutual aid in fighting the fast-moving fire.

For 11-year-old Cody Devine, the fire was more personal. Devine lived next door to the barn, which Devine said was owned by his stepfather, Timothy Barnhill.

“I could see the smoke as soon as we got on the bus,” said the Loxley Elementary fifth-grader. “I knew it was in my neighborhood, and as I got closer, I realized it was by my house.”

Devine said the youngsters on the bus said, “my house was on fire.”

Devine was relieved to see that his home was still standing unscathed, but had a few anxious moments looking for his stepfather. He knew he was home because his truck was in the yard. Devine confirmed that no animals lived in the barn, and added that his stepfather did store some building materials in there.

“I was worried about my stepdad,” said Devine. “I ran all around the house and yard looking for him. It was frightening.”

Fortunately, Devine and Barnhill found each other, and Devine says Barnhill says that no one was hurt in the fire.