The owner of a large stable in Delta was able to rescue dozens of animals from a burning barn with the help of her neighbours.
Flames broke out at Loranda Stables and Kitty Kottage around midnight, quickly consuming the large horse barn.
The farm is home to 20 horses and 15 cats.
Neighbour Chantale Fontaine raced outside to the barn after hearing screaming and the roar of flames from her bedroom.
“I looked outside and it was engulfed in flames,” she told CTV Morning Live.
“We know there are horses, we know there are cats. We are very much a community here on this property.”
Fontaine said the fire quickly engulfed the structure, and they only had a short window to act.
“We just got those cats out. It spread within minutes because everything is wood and hay.”
Micaela Robinson, who owns the stables, freed the horses in the nick of time.
“The barn went down fast, and hearing all the rafters above us burning… it was pretty frightening,” she said.
Crews from the Delta Fire Department were not initially able to get inside because it was too dangerous – and the roof collapsed.
Acting Battalion Chief Neil Shuster said the fire was stubborn but wind worked in their favour. He said it was “fortunate” they were able to save the animals.
“The lady spotted the fire and let the horses out,” he said.
“She suffered a little minor smoke inhalation but other than that, no injuries to anyone. Everyone got out safe.”
The horses were a little spooked but otherwise unscathed. Horse owner Bob Culbert said he came over to pick up his animal as soon as he could.
“As soon as she gets some food, dry her out a bit, she'll be fine,” he said.
The barn is completely destroyed, but with no animals or people hurt, Robinson is grateful to everyone who sprang into action.
“All the animals are alive and well. I just want to thank my families and friends and neighbors and everyone who ran to help,” she said.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation but it is not considered suspicious.
Interested in helping out? Neighbours have set up a Go-Fund-Me page for Loranda Farms.
With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Nafeesa Karim
I'm live at massive barn fire in #Delta. Neighbours helped save dozens of animals. Watch @CTVMorningLive for details pic.twitter.com/Ejhb9ZgqsS
— Nafeesa Karim (@nafeesakarim) January 28, 2016
Some of the horses rescued last night when Loranda Stables burned down. Owners are picking them up this AM. pic.twitter.com/9SS5ECGhxR
— Nafeesa Karim (@nafeesakarim) January 28, 2016