PROSPECT, Conn. (WTNH) – 60 animals were killed in a barn fire in the area of Spring Road on Friday night.

According to the Prospect Fire Department, firefighters headed to the scene of a working barn fire at 11:25 p.m. on Friday. When the crews arrived, they said they tried to remove the animals from the flames, but the fire was too intense. None of the animals were rescued.

With the help of the Cheshire and Bethany Fire Department, the fire was extinguished.

The owner of the barn, Kelly Cronin, told News 8 she put all the animals inside that night because of the cold weather. She gave them extra bedding and set up heat lamps to keep them warm. 

“I actually took pictures of them that day and I don’t usually do that, but they looked so comfortable,” she said. 

60 animals were inside the barn, including alpacas, pigs, sheep, goats, ducks, geese, rabbits, mini horses, and mini donkeys. Cronin and her son tried to save the animals and were able to kick the door down but couldn’t reach the animals. 

“At that point it was just a matter of putting the fire out, not saving anything,” she said.”We lost everything.” 

This farm was a central part of Kelly’s Kids, a non-profit that offers animal therapy to children and seniors, and a Pets After School Program. Using farm animals, this non-profit helps to teach underprivileged youth and foster care kids various skills such as socialization, respect, responsibility, and more.

Cronin says the animals helped her get through tough times too. She plans to rebuild the barn as soon as she can. 

 After this tragedy, Kelly’s Kids created a GoFundMe page to help them rebuild what they lost. Anyone can donate here.