Barn Fire Claims Animals in Pine River

A barn fire in the Town of Pine River Monday morning resulted in the loss of most of the animals housed inside.

The Pine River Fire Department was dispatched just before 5:45 a.m. to a property on State Highway 64, where the barn was reported to be fully engulfed. Firefighters arrived to find the roof had already collapsed and heavy flames showing from all sides. Crews launched a defensive attack and brought the fire under control within about 15 minutes.

The owner said the building was being used to house rabbits, turkeys and chickens. While some chickens escaped, most of the animals are believed to have died in the fire.

Investigators say damage to the structure limited their ability to determine a cause, but the owner reported a heating lamp had been in use the night before.