Several animals die in Westport barn fire

WESTPORT, Mass. (WLNE) — Several farm animals died in a barn fire in Westport on Tuesday.

The Westport Fire Department said the blaze took place on Sodom Road shortly after 7:00 a.m.

Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and fire spreading rapidly throughout the loft area of the structure.

Officials said firefighters were able to contain the flames to the barn despite staffing and water supply challenges.

Mutual aid tankers from several surrounding communities were called in to help fight the blaze, shuttling water back and forth from Adamsville Pond to the scene of the fire.

Westport Highway Surveyor Chris Gonsalves was credited with spotting the smoke emitting from the structure, notifying the property owners and helping them remove animals from the barn.

Westport fire officials said several animals were saved, but others perished in the blaze.