TOWN OF FARMINGTON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- After a devastating barn fire in Washington County, four cows were euthanized and one is still recovering.

The fire happened shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 28. Flames and smoke engulfed Jenni Neumann’s family barn in the Town of Farmington.

“Somebody knocked on the door, and they just said, 'Your barn’s on fire, I'm calling 911',” said Neumann. “A lot of shock, but it was more so 'We need to get the animals, we need to get stuff moved.'”

Inside the barn was a milking parlor, and several cows.

“We were trying to get the heifers out of their little building, and we weren’t able to get anywhere near it. It was way too hot,” said Neumann.

Neumann says some of the cows were able to escape, but others were trapped inside, severely burned. Despite several fire departments' efforts, four cows had to be euthanized.

“They suffered severe lung damage,” said Neumann.

One of the cows is still recovering. Insurance and fire investigators will be here later this week, but Neumann estimates the cost of damages is upwards of half a million dollars.

“The fire didn’t reach them. We do have one cow that did get burned from bumping up against hot metal,” said Neumann.

Investigators are still working to figure out what caused the fire. Neumann says even though all that remains is debris, she’s surrounded by her community.

“Half of them, as soon as the fire was out, they were dropping their fire gear to help move cows,” said Neumann.

Each day on the farm is now spent finding a way to get back to work.

“This is what keeps us going. This is our life,” said Neumann.

Insurance and fire investigators will be here later this week, but Neumann estimates the cost of damages is upwards of half a million dollars.