Nine horses and their owner safely escaped a fire at a barn in East Penn Township Wednesday afternoon.

The barn, located at 1227 Ben Salem Road, is a complete loss. 

The fire was reported around 1:30 p.m. Firefighters including Lower Towamensing, Bowmanstown, Franklin Township, Mahoning Valley and Palmerton were called to assist. Tankers were requested.

The owner, Brewer Adams, said he was in the barn when he smelled smoke and called 911.

East Penn Township fire chief Bob Kleintop said the fire engulfed the entire structure within just a few minutes of the first crews arriving on scene. About a dozen fire companines responded. 

Check back for more updates.