FRANKLIN TWP, Beaver County — An unknown number of goats were reportedly killed Monday night when a more-than-century-old barn went up in flames just across the Butler County line, authorities said.

One or more electric heaters that the owner set up to keep the water thawed for the animals on the frigid night was believed to be the source of the blaze at the Moser farm on Thomas Lane.

The state police fire marshal’s office was notified of the fire but it was not immediately known if that unit will investigate.

The fire broke out shortly after 8:30 p.m. inside the old wood barn. Flames rapidly devoured the structure, which was on the ground before the first crews got there. The location of the fire caused some initial confusion, authorities said.

The Butler County Communications Center got the first call when the fire was believed to be in Lancaster Township. Beaver County authorities were later notified that the fire was in neighboring Franklin Township.

Harmony volunteer firefighters in Butler County were first on the scene. But the barn, about 30 feet by 40 feet, was so far gone that firefighters, at the request of the owners, didn’t bother to put any water on it, fire officials said.

There were no other structures near the barn. It was still not known this morning how many goats perished in the fire. Along with the livestock, farm equipment stored in the barn was destroyed.

Authorities said the Mosers raise Angora goats, which look little like their American cousins.

Angoras have coats of long, off-white curly hair and they have long, curved horns. Their silky fleece, known commercially as mohair, is used in making fine upholstery, yarn and fabrics.

The Mosers could not be reached for comment this morning.

Assisting the Harmony Volunteer Fire Company were firefighters from Zelienople and Portersville in Butler County, Franklin Township and Big Knob in Beaver County and Perry Township in Lawrence County.

Franklin Township Police Chief Brian Speer said his department also helped with traffic control.