Fanned by winds, a Monday afternoon blaze north of Albert claimed a barn and spread to a nearby creek before it was brought under control and extinguished, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir said.
According to Bellendir, at about 2:41 p.m. Monday, the Albert Fire Department and the Barton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a structure fire located in the 100 block of Northwest 120 Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters and deputies found the barn was completely involved in fire.
Tank trucks were also called from the Great Bend Fire Department to bring extra water.
The fire had also spread to an adjacent creek bed, the Sheriff said. The Albert Fire Department was able to bring the fire under control and extinguish the brush fires in the creek.
Investigation at the scene by the BCSO indicates the property owner had burned yard waste the day before and thought the fire was extinguished. As winds picked up Monday afternoon, embers from the brush pile were fanned and ignited grass nearby.
The fire then spread to the barn, and set fire to the structure. 
The structure and contents were a total loss, Bellendir said.  The owner was able to release two horses that were in the barn at the time of the fire but unfortunately to English bulldogs perished in the blaze.
The fire appears to be accidental in nature, he said.