PLAINS – Flames engulfed a barn early on Wednesday morning, burning the structure to the ground.

The fire came over the scanner before 10 a.m. on Clayton Street in Plains. The building was fully engulfed in flames and the fire gutted the inside.

The barn was an older building and was used for storing hay. No one was injured during the fire.

Plains-Paradise Rural Fire Department and Plains Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene, however, the building was deemed a total loss and there were no attempts to put the fire out.

Due to the rate of consumption, Fire Chief John Holland said they decided to let the barn burn because of the dangers presented by the frame.

“It was pretty well burned up when we got here. For safety reasons we are letting the walls go down,” Holland said.

Once the walls completely came down, the Rural Fire Department began mop up efforts to ensure the fire was contained.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined.