Six months after a devastating fire tore through one of Ashtabula County’s largest dairy operations, Comp Dairy Farm is on the path to recovery with a new barn rising and nearly 1,200 cows now back home.
The fire broke out on the evening of September 22, 2024, originating in the farm’s milking parlor. Fueled by wooden beams and hay, the blaze spread rapidly and required the response of over 70 firefighters from more than 15 departments across Ohio and neighboring Pennsylvania. While no employees were injured, approximately 60 cows perished either during the fire or due to subsequent stress.
The emergency required swift and large-scale action. Within 24 hours, more than 1,000 dairy cows were relocated to roughly 14–15 farms across northeastern Ohio. Farmers from as far as Quebec, Kentucky, Missouri, and Vermont offered support. In addition to animal transport, local residents and agricultural organizations stepped in with supplies, food, and manual labor.
The Comp family, whose farm has been in operation since the 1880s, credited the dairy community’s rapid mobilization for minimizing losses and helping maintain milking operations. The herd, which includes both milking cows and young stock, had to be milked multiple times a day during the relocation.
The fire, which destroyed one barn and damaged three others, was later determined to have been caused by an electrical issue. While the farm had insurance, cleanup and reconstruction efforts have been significant. More than 30 employees remained active on-site during the rebuilding process, which included preparing for the reconstruction of the original 1885 barn and a new milking parlor.
As of April 2025, construction is nearing completion. All cows have returned, and milking operations have resumed. The layout of the new facilities includes upgraded infrastructure such as new gates, water systems, and improved barn design to accommodate herd comfort and operational efficiency.
Beyond the physical rebuild, the Comps say the experience has reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the family’s dairy legacy. Support from neighbors, farm bureaus, haulers, builders, and volunteers played a crucial role in the farm’s recovery.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture and the State Fire Marshal’s Office continue to monitor the situation and support recovery efforts. The Comp family expects full restoration of operations by mid-year.
