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Barn Fire Near Fort Atkinson Kills 21 Cows

By: Associated Press Email
Updated: Mon 8:44 AM, Feb 11, 2013

FORT ATKINSON, Wis. (AP) -- At least 21 cows have died in a dairy barn fire near Fort Atkinson.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports that all but one of the cows were Holsteins. Authorities said Sunday afternoon that the death toll was expected to rise as more remains were discovered.

Fort Atkinson Fire Chief Michael Reel says no people were injured in the Saturday fire.

Bill Ehrke of Ehrke Holsteins says roughly a dozen cows were saved when part of the ceiling collapsed, shielding them from the heat and flames for hours.

Reel says firefighters did everything they could to save the rest of the cattle but were hampered by cold temperatures, piles of snow and ice, and the need to bring water to the remote location.

Seventeen agencies helped fight the fire.


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