Thunder Bay Fire Rescue say they were able to save a number of animals trapped inside a burning barn.

The fire was reported Thursday night around 7:00 on Mapleward Road.

Fire crews initially encountered heavy smoke coming from the barn and requested additional support.

Because there were no fire hydrants located nearby, fire fighters had to use an inground holding tank to shuttle water to the scene.

Oliver Paipoonge and Lappe tankers were also called in to bolster water supplies.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.