Seven border collie puppies were killed in a pole barn fire early Friday afternoon southeast of Salina.

Saline County Sheriff’s Captain Roger Soldan said the cause of the fire is believed to have been a water bowl heater in a stall where the puppies were housed.

300 bales of hay along with 11 saddles and tack were destroyed in the 45-foot by 50-foot pole barn located in the 3400 block of Gypsum Valley Road. A cargo trailer parked next to the barn was damaged.

The owner of the property, Rosetta Wiles, was not at home when the fire was reported at 12:15 Friday afternoon.

No exact damage estimate was available, but it is expected to be several thousands of dollars.