Arkwright, N.Y. (WBEN) – Firefighters were called to a barn collapse on Tarbox Road in the town of Arkwright, Chautauqua County, on Monday. Days of heavy, wet Lake Effect snow caused the roof to cave in, crushing five cows and trapping 100 others.
The extreme conditions and dense snow made the rescue physically demanding for the first responders. One firefighter was taken to the hospital for treatment but is expected to be okay.
Crews worked late into the day to clear the snow and rescue the remaining trapped animals.
County officials are urging local farmers to evaluate their barns and homes for damage as snowfall is expected to continue.