Temperance, Michigan – A devastating barn fire early Tuesday morning claimed the lives of nearly 100 goats belonging to Will Cook, a local farmer and animal rescuer, after flames tore through his property on West Samaria Road.
The fire broke out around 2 a.m. on January 13, prompting a multi-department emergency response, including crews from the Bedford Township Fire Department. Officials say the cause of the blaze remains under investigation, and Bedford fire inspector Doug Steinman was not immediately available for comment.
Owner Injured While Rescuing Animals
Cook said he managed to rescue 42 goats from the burning barn but suffered minor injuries and smoke inhalation while repeatedly entering the structure.
“I stayed in until I couldn’t see. I threw the goats over my shoulders,” Cook said.
The rescued animals were temporarily taken in by area residents as the community rallied to help.
Community Fundraiser Launched
A GoFundMe fundraiser was launched by Charissa Webster, whom Cook said he knows through his barn’s Facebook page. Webster had occasionally reached out to him for advice about animals. She was not immediately available for comment.
Cook shared details of the incident with The Monroe News, which first reported the story.
Barn Fire Did Not Reach Home
Cook lives on the Samaria Road property with his elderly grandparents, both of whom have dementia. Their home was not damaged in the fire.
A 2008 graduate of Bedford High School, Cook also served in the United States Navy from 2014 to 2020 before returning home to care for his family.
A Labor of Love Lost
Cook built the barn about two years ago and operated under the name Will’s Handsome Silky Goats and Such. He raised silky goats, a small, long-haired breed, describing the work as more of a passion than a business.
“It’s mostly a hobby. It keeps me occupied,” he said. “I raise and sell them. The money pays for hay for the year. They eat a lot, and hay prices keep going up.”
He also used proceeds to rescue other animals, including donkeys, alpacas, pigs, and more, finding them new homes once they recovered.
Cook said the goats’ quality of life was a priority. The barn had bedding, and he grew food specifically for them.
“I grow celery in raised beds. I have fruit trees and grapevines. It’s just to make their lives better,” he said.
Rebuilding Remains Uncertain
Before the fire, Cook had plans to build a smaller secondary barn within the next five years. Now, he says rebuilding the destroyed structure may be financially impossible.
“I would love to rebuild. That would be the dream,” Cook said. “I have all my savings into this. I dedicated everything to them.”
As the investigation continues, community members are stepping in to support Cook and the animals he was able to save.
