Several animals - possibly including lambs, baby chickens, pigs and goats - died in a barn fire in Lodi Township early this morning, Saline Area Fire Chief Craig Hoeft said.

"The owner tried to open some gates so that they could get out, and a few did," Hoeft said. "The problem with animals is that they don't generally want to leave where they live."

The barn, near the intersection and Weber and Alber roads, was already engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived. There was little they could do but keep the fire from spreading to the nearby house and barn, Hoeft said.

Fortunately, some animals were already outside the barn when the fire started, Hoeft said. Firefighters have not yet determined how many animals died, and Hoeft did not know how many animals were on the property in total.

Hoeft said the daughter of the couple who owns the barn awoke about 2 a.m. and smelled smoke. She looked out the window and saw the barn burning, then alerted her parents. The family called 911 and went to try to save the animals, but it was too late.

The barn was a total loss. Hoeft estimated damage to the building at $50,000, but said the dollar loss will be higher once the loss of the animals is determined.

He said the cause is under investigation, and a fire inspector will look at whether an incubator for baby chicks could have started it.

Firefighters from Pittsfield and Manchester provided water the fight the blaze, Hoeft said. About 25 firefighters were on the scene for about two hours, he said.