HOLLISTON, MA (WBZ-AM) -- A barn fire which killed dozen of animals on January 21 was ruled accidental by state fire officials.
Officials from the Commonwealth Fire Marshall office and Holliston Fire and Police Department investigated the fire which claimed nearly 40 animals and caused $500,000 dollars in damages.
They determined that the fire was caused by either a heat lamp or coil used to keep water from freezing and that there was no evidence that the fire was intentionally set.
Crews were initially called to the scene before 6:30 a.m. on January 21 where they found the barn at 755 Concord street fully engulfed. Several fire crews from surrounding communities responded.
Officials say the barn contained 60 animals cows, chickens, ducks, pigs, and goats,
Authorities said 13 of them escaped or were rescued and taken to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, including six chickens, four ducks and three pigs.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.