Six lambs were killed after stables burnt down near Tapanui yesterday afternoon.
Tapanui Volunteer Fire Brigade Deputy Chief Fire Officer Brendon Stuart said a stable on a rural Sheddan Rd property was well involved when firefighters arrived about 4pm.
About 14 volunteer firefighters from Tapanui and Heriot fought the blaze for over two hours, but were unable to rescue the six lambs which were inside the stable at the time of the fire.
Despite firefighters' best efforts, the 20m by 5m wood and corrugated iron building was completely destroyed.
A fire communications spokesman said two appliances and a water tanker attended, and crews used breathing equipment.
It was not known what caused the fire, as the properties' occupants were out during the afternoon, returning home to find the stable on fire and calling emergency services, Mr Stuart said.
A fire investigator from Invercargill will examine the scene today.
