DURHAM — Sparks from a cutting torch were tentatively blamed for a fast-moving fire that destroyed a large barn and its contents on Bowie Hill Road late Wednesday morning, Deputy Chief Gary Lane said.

The fire call came in at 11:13 a.m. When firefighters arrived, the fire had already burned through the back of the barn.

Lane said the property owner, David Rice, had been using a cutting torch outside the barn earlier, leading officials to believe that stray sparks from the torch probably started the fire.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office was called, as is standard practice in such cases. Loss to the 1,200-square-foot, two-story, wood-frame barn and contents, which included tools used in Rice’s construction business, was estimated at $100,000. It was insured, Lane said.

In addition to Durham’s four trucks, another seven trucks from Freeport, Lisbon, Pownal, North Yarmouth and New Gloucester provided mutual assistance. Firefighters were at the scene for three hours, Lane said. There were no injuries.