A fire at Comp Dairy Farm in Dorset, Ohio, on September 22, 2024, severely damaged one of the region’s largest dairy operations, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of cows. The fire broke out during milking, resulting in several cattle fatalities despite quick action by the farm owner. The local community mobilized to transport surviving cows to safety. The cause of the fire is under investigation, with initial reports suggesting it may have started near a water line connected to the milking parlor.
A devastating fire at Comp Dairy Farm in Dorset, Ohio, resulted in significant damage to one of the region’s largest dairy operations, prompting a massive effort to transport hundreds of cows to safety. The fire broke out late on September 22, 2024, while the farm was in the process of milking some of its 1,100 dairy cattle.
Farm owner Jerry Comp witnessed the flames shortly after they started and quickly alerted the fire department. Despite his best efforts to evacuate the cows, the fire spread rapidly, causing heavy damage to the milking parlor, where cows were being milked at the time. Unfortunately, several cattle did not survive the blaze.
Comp Dairy Farm is a family-owned cooperative that produces approximately 10,000 pounds of milk daily, primarily for the Dean’s brand of dairy products. As the fire severely impacted the milking operations, neighboring farmers from across Ohio and into Pennsylvania rallied to help transport the surviving cattle to other dairy farms for immediate care and milking.
Volunteers responded quickly, with offers of assistance pouring in from as far away as Indiana and Michigan. Mandy Orahood from the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau highlighted the community’s spirit, stating, “We have got volunteers showing up to drive; we’ve got big trucks coming, and we have farms that have offered to take these cows.”
Transport drivers, such as Tony Romano from Canton, Pennsylvania, joined the effort, stating they were committed to helping those in need. Comp expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community, saying, “This right here is what happens when a community of farmers join hands.”
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the state fire marshal’s office. Initial reports suggest it may have originated from an outdoor area connected to the milking parlor, specifically near a water line used for the cows. Comp indicated that the damage primarily affected the upper sections of the parlor, and efforts will be made to restore the facility once the immediate crisis is managed.
