Michigan fire authorities are probing the cause of a barn fire that killed 17 horses.

Chief Bruce Stack of the Edwardsburg, Michigan, Fire Department, said personnel responded to a 911 call about a barn fire at the Smithfield Stables on the afternoon of Nov. 11. Smithfield Stables' website said the farm offered boarding as well as saddle seat riding and driving lessons.

Stack said the barn containing the horses was fully involved in fire when firefighters arrived at the scene.

“A 911 call from across the street and (it took) seven minutes to get there,” Stack said. “When (crews) arrived there was nothing left