ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- Firefighters in Adams County rushed to extinguish a barn fire Friday afternoon.

The barn is located near Tower Road and 120th. The barn was a total loss.

There were horses in the barn when the fire started at about 2:45 p.m. Three horses were able to escape the blaze but nine died in the fire.

Fire investigators said a barrel filled with burning embers left over from a controlled burn yesterday tipped over in the strong winds and ignited the fire.

Animal control officers responded to the fire because of the horses inside when it burned.