Western Wisconsin family loses several animals, including 3 dogs, in barn fire

A western Wisconsin family is mourning after they say they lost several animals, including their three dogs, in a barn fire early Tuesday morning.

The River Falls Fire Department says crews were dispatched to a fire at Walker Farm, located near County Road M, at approximately 1:30 a.m. 

Upon arrival, crews found a barn fully engulfed in heavy fire and smoke, and immediately began efforts to extinguish the flames.

It took several hours to put out the fire, with the fire department saying crews remained on scene until 6:12 a.m. A short time later, firefighters were called back to extinguish a small rekindle.

Steffanie Walker says a barn fire is a farmer's worst nightmare.

"It's part of us. I've always said this farm is bigger than all of us," Walker said. "I opened this door and smoke just billowed out."

The family of five, who also runs a farm store on the property, came home from their kindergartener's football practice to a kitchen fire. They spent the night at a family member's home in Woodbury, Minnesota.

"Unfortunately got a phone call at 1:30 a.m. that the big barn was on fire. My husband and I rushed here," she said. 

The fire killed the kids' pony named Cookie, three of their dogs and more than 200 chickens, ducks, geese and a few other four-legged friends.

"It was too far gone before anyone had gotten here," she said.

A dog and several barn cats survived. WCCO witnessed Walker rescuing a singed cat. Their friend took it to a local animal hospital.

The surviving dog and rescued cat were both back home on Friday, according to Walker.

"That whole morning, night was so numb," she said. "What will do here will still be here."

The mom says a pack of scissors on the stove is what caused their kitchen fire, but they don't know what set the barn on fire. They believe they weren't related.

An online fundraiser has been set up for the family. The Walkers want to thank the community for their constant support so far.

As a result of the barn fire, the family says the Walker Farm Store will be closed for several days.