The fire broke out just after 11 o'clock Tuesday night on Avenue 11 near Road 29-1/2.
Madera County Cal-Fire says when crews arrived on the scene, only about one-third of the 10,000 square foot barn was on fire. But because of the rural area, there were no fire hydrants for firefighters to use and water had to be trucked in.
The lack of water combined with gusty winds led to a total loss of the barn. No animals were inside, but the barn owners lost several family possessions.
"It's very unfortunate they lost some things they really held dear. But because of the conditions and not having the water to where we could safely put the firefighters in there to try and save those items, it was just too unsafe to put our firefighters in that position," said Chris Christopherson with Madera County Cal-Fire.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
