It's not clear yet how many animals perished in a fire at an animal rescue centre on Brook Line in Chatham-Kent overnight.
Blackburn News has confirmed that the rescue is operated by Charlotte's Freedom Farm.
An initial report from Chatham-Kent Fire crews said a pig had perished in the blaze, but founder and owner Lauren Edwards said while the pig was burned, it was treated by a veterinarian and will be OK.
"We did lose a couple of animals... we're still trying to figure out with the birds... because they all ended up running around," said Edwards.
A note posted to Charlotte's Freedom Farm's Facebook page Thursday morning noted that "The majority of our residents were able to walk away unharmed but we have suffered the loss of some of our dearest friends."
An update from a spokesperson with the rescue just before noon Thursday noted that a dog named Wyatt and a miniature pony named Forest perished in the blaze. The group is still looking for four cats, some chickens and some ducks -- they are hoping those animals got out safely.
Firefighters from Station 7 in Chatham South were called to the scene just before midnight and crews from Stations 4, 5 and 6 were also called in to help. The fire is not considered suspicious and the cause is currently listed as "unknown."
Chatham-Kent fire officials said the damage is estimated at $400,000.
Edwards said they used to run their rescue in Lakeshore, but she had purchased the property on Brook Line in December 2019 and moved the animals over in May 2020.
"We've really only been here with everybody since the end of April, beginning of May," she said. "Then I sold the Comber farm."
Edwards said the electrical work at the barn was all checked out and inspected before the animals were moved in.
"We had an electrician come out to make sure everything was safe before we even moved any animals onto the property," read the Facebook post. "There was nothing plugged into the outlets in the barn at all last night."
Just last week, Edwards said the internet service at the facility was also upgraded so that security cameras could eventually be installed.
"This was pretty out of blue," she said. "There's still an investigation happening, but the barn is gone."
Although the fire is a tragedy for those involved with Charlotte's Freedom Farm, Edwards said more animals would have likely been lost in the blaze if the on-site caretaker, Christine Rettig, had not acted as quickly as she did.
Edwards also gave credit to their "guard" donkey whose loud braying sounded off like an alarm and alerted Rettig that something was wrong.
"She ultimately had gone into the barn, saw that there was a fire that had started and she saved 95 per cent [of the animals]," said Edwards. "She was able to get out and open doors and if she hadn't, we would have lost everyone."
Anyone who would like to help the non-profit animal sanctuary can donate via e-transfer at donations@charlottesfarm.ca.
Edwards said anyone who is willing to go to the scene to help, is encouraged to contact them first through the Charlotte's Freedom Farm Facebook Page. With the current restrictions due to COVID-19, Edwards said they're limiting the number of people on-site at one time to 10.
The cleanup and the rebuild isn't the most pressing matter for Edwards, though.
"Ultimately, we have to reorganize and figure out today where 30 animals are going to sleep tonight," she said.
Edwards said Charlotte's Freedom Farm is a sanctuary for farm animals which includes pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, a donkey, and an alpaca. However, not all of the animals were inside the barn at the time as some sleep in smaller houses on the property.