The Villisca Fire Department reports a barn in rural Villisca was destroyed by fire early Tuesday morning, and a number of livestock were lost. Officials say crews were dispatched to Gale Fisher’s property at 2778 265th Street around 6:32-a.m., following a report of a barn on fire. When crews arrived, they found a large barn was fully engulfed in flames. Additional help was called for from the Stanton and Grant Fire Departments for the use of their tankers.

Photo via the Montgomery County Emergency Mgmt. Agy.

Authorities say the owners were unable to get a small number of livestock out of the barn and the animals perished in the fire. While the barn was a total loss, firefighters were able to keep the flames from spreading to a nearby second barn and a house.

No injuries were reported. Official said it’s believed that an alternative heat source for the livestock may have started the fire. Crews were on the scene for about 3 1/2 hours.

Villisca Fire was assisted at the scene by Villisca Rescue, the Grant…Stanton and Red Oak Fire Departments, Montgomery County Sheriff’s office, and Montgomery County EMA. The Villisca Fire Department also thanked the Fisher family for their assistance at the scene.