DURHAM – No injuries were reported in a smoky fire that destroyed a large, landmark barn and contents and damaged the nearby farmhouse Sunday on Ross Road.

About 75 firefighters from 10 area fire departments were called to assist Durham fireman battling the blaze, Deputy Fire Chief Curtis Dimock said.

Firefighters coordinated their efforts bringing water from two nearby dry hydrants to the scene because there is no public water supply in town.

The first report came in as a small fire in the corner of the barn shortly before 10 a.m.

Dimock, who was first to arrive at the scene, said the smoke was so thick, neither the barn, nor the house, which is across the road, was visible.

As the wind increased, the smoke lifted, and the fire took off, blowing flames toward the large, two-and-a-half story, wood-frame farmhouse, and mutual aid was immediately requested.

Fire ignited utility poles, pulling down a transformer and transmission lines, and the power grid was shut down until Central Maine Power Co. could get to the scene. About 4,000 homes and businesses lost power temporarily.

Firefighters first concentrated on getting two family members out of the house and saving that building. They were able to limit damages to the windows and front exterior and a small portion of the second floor interior. Damage was estimated at about $20,000 to the house, and the occupants were able to remain at home Sunday night.

The 60-foot by 100-foot three-story barn with cupola and a 20-foot by 20-foot attached shed, which was part of the former Ross dairy farm, now owned by Wally Staples, contained hay and various pieces of farm equipment owned by the N.A. Ross family, who still live there.

There was no immediate estimate of damage to the barn and contents. As of Sunday night, the cause of the fire remained undetermined. Fire officials were told that there was no electrical power in the barn. The state Fire Marshal’s Office was contacted.

Mutual aid was provided by New Gloucester, Pownal, Lisbon, Lisbon Falls, Lewiston, Auburn, Freeport, Topsham, Brunswick and West Bath.

The Salvation Army Mobile Feeding Unit was also mobilized. The scene was cleared at 4:15 p.m.