JEFFERSON COUNTY — A horse was killed Wednesday in Jefferson County when a fire destroyed a large pole barn and all of its contents.

According to Jefferson Rural Fire Protection, when firefighters arrived at the Phillip Morton property in the 17000 block of Knox Road northeast of Mt. Vernon a 50 by 100 foot pole barn was fully engulfed in flames.

A passerby noticed the fire just after 2 p.m. Wednesday and called 9-1-1.

The residents were not at home at the time of the fire. In addition to the loss of the horse, a pickup truck, tractor, hay, and other machinery were destroyed.

The cause of the fire has not been determined. Bluford firefighters were called for mutual aide assistance to bring additional water to the scene. Firefighters remained on the scene about two hours.