Goats, bunnies killed in barn fire

A barn fire in rural Carlton County left numerous miniature goats dead and two farmers suffering from burns and smoke inhalation.

Jody and Fast Eddie Westerberg of King Creek Hobby Farm, located on M T Nelson Road between Mahtowa and Barnum, don't know what started the fire. By the time they got to the barn, it was burning too fiercely to enter. They were able to save seven of their miniature silky fainting goats in a pen next to the barn. A total of 16 goats and two rabbits died inside the barn.

The Carlton County Sheriff's Office received the call about the barn fire in Skelton Township at 10:22 p.m. Saturday. According to a news release from the sheriff's office, deputies from the Carlton County Sheriff's Office responded, along with fire departments from Barnum, Blackhoof, Mahtowa, Moose Lake, Carlton and Kettle River.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the barn fully involved with fire. It was a complete loss.

Jody Westerberg said she and her husband were burned by the heat coming off the barn when they were rescuing the goats outside. Most serious were second-degree burns on her husband's arms. They were transported by Essentia EMS to Essentia Hospital Moose Lake to be treated for their injuries.

They will miss the goats dearly, Jody said of the docile animals, which can stiffen up and tip over if they're startled, hence the "fainting" in the name.

Jody referred to them as "hoof puppies."

"It is definitely like losing pets," she said. "Every one had a name, and its own personality. They were like family."

In addition to the seven goats they saved, there were other goats elsewhere on the farm, so they will be able to continue breeding the goats. Over the past four years they have traveled across the country showing the goats, and have earned several master champion awards.

"It won't be the same," she said. "We lost a lot of really nice stock."

According to a fundraising post on Facebook, the family of four lost hay, feed, tack and ATVs along with the goats and two rabbits. A grateful Jody said the response from the community has been remarkable.

"We have everything we need for now," she said.

The Minnesota Fire Marshal's Office responded to the scene. The origin of the fire does not appear to be suspicious and is still under investigation by the Fire Marshal's Office and The Carlton County Sheriff's Office.

Find more photos on Facebook at King Creek Hobby Farm Miniature Silky Fainting Goats.