HUGHESVILLE – A homeowner working on an old tractor in his pole-barn-type structure on Woolen Mill Road suffered minor burns Saturday afternoon when the tractor backfired and then caught fire, according to borough Fire Chief Steve Stiger.

Although the homeowner escaped serious injuries, the structure and its contents were a total loss because the fire quickly spread throughout the barn about 2:50 p.m., Stiger said.

The homeowner, whose identity was not released, was treated at the scene and did not have to go to the hospital, Stiger said.

Besides Hughesville, other firefighters who responded to 77 Woolen Mill Road in Wolf Township were Picture Rocks, Muncy Area, Pennsdale and Warrior Run. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 30 minutes.

Fire damage was estimated at $15,000, Stiger said.