A small barn containing livestock went up in flames early this morning west of Mitchell.

The Steinbach Fire Department along with a tanker from Kleefeld were called to the scene about a mile west of Mitchell along Highway 52 just after 3 am. Deputy Fire Chief Ron Chausse says someone passing by noticed the fire from the highway, knocked on the resident's door and then they called 911.

"This was a small family type barn, it was fully involved when we were there on scene so, between ourselves and Kleefeld Fire tanker, we were able to knock down the fire and contain everything to that one barn area."

Chausse notes they were on scene for nearly three hours battling the fire but the barn was a complete loss.

"It was a smaller barn structure, again, more so a family farm. There were a few goats and some calves in there so there was a little bit of livestock that was lost."

He says the cause of the fire is unknown at this time but adds the Steinbach Fire Department continues to investigate. The Office of the Fire Commissioner has not been called out and foul play is not suspected.