Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed a barn Monday in Union Bridge and have ruled that someone tried to set fire to another nearby barn Sunday.

About 50 firefighters from Carroll and Frederick counties brought Monday's blaze under control in about an hour, state fire marshals said.

No one was injured.

Damage to the 52-by-32-foot barn on Hoff Road was estimated at $150,000. The owners, Steve and Judy Smith, were not at home when neighbors reported the fire at 4: 39 p.m.

Owner Martha Green found a burned rag in her barn in the 900 block of Winters Church Road about 5: 25 p.m. Sunday.

No damage was done, but fire marshals are investigating the incident as an arson attempt.

Pub Date: 3/10/99