VIDEO: Upstate New York Police Save Cows From Burning Barn

There may be nothing scarier than being trapped in a burning building. As the smoke gets thicker and the heat intensifies, you can barely think, much less act on getting out.

How terrifying must it be, then, if you couldn't comprehend what was going on? That's exactly what happened to one group in upstate New York, but luckily they had friends on their side.

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A Fire in Lewiston

On the morning of January 7th, 2026, a fire broke out in a barn on Saunders Settlement Road in Lewiston, New York. Both the Lewiston Police Department and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation responded at around 11a.m.

The fire was contained within the barn, but Saunders Settlement Road was closed off as the fire department responded to the call. Responders worked quickly to try and contain the fire, but the building soon became the least of concerns.

Saving Lives

The building, unfortunately, was not empty. The officers were told that ten cows were trapped in the blaze, so a rescue mission was planned. Responders worked quickly, cutting the chains to the gate and ushering the animals out of the burning building.

The whole ordeal was captured on body cam, showing Officer King and Officer Richeal along with Officer Scheer from NYS DEC leaping into action, which the Lewiston Police department was glad to provide on their socials. Of the ten cows trapped inside, nine of them made it out safe and sound. No officers were injured, and the situation was brought under control.