MANDATA - Several firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and exhaustion while battling a two-alarm fire Sunday afternoon at a farm near Line Mountain High School.
The barn on Dairy Road is owned by Tim Baumert, a livestock dealer.
Four cows perished, but a number of goats and sheep were herded from the barn which was fully engulfed by flames by the time firefighter from Dalmatia, Hickory Corners and Lower Augusta fire companies arrived at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Additional units from communities in a wide area were called on the second alarm to provide water tank service and manpower.
The barn contained stalls for livestock and hundreds of bales of hay. Ron Martz, a neighbor, said he was alerted to the fire by the cattle "mooing." He said he heard a loud bang and saw smoke and flames coming from the barn. He was one of the neighbors who called 911.
At least two firefighters were treated at the scene by emergency personnel, but no serious injuries were reported by press time.