UPDATED 2 p.m.: Four adult dogs and eight puppies died in the barn fire on Nansemond Parkway Wednesday morning, city officials have stated, updating earlier information that all animals had been removed from the structure.

A total of 16 adult hunting dogs and eight puppies were determined to be on site in fenced kennels adjacent to the barn, according to a city press release. Witnesses who observed the fire were able to rescue several of the dogs before the flames became too intense, and once firefighters arrived on scene, they cut a chain link fence to rescue three more adult dogs.

The barn and its content, including farm equipment and vehicles, were declared a total loss.

The fire was called under control at 8:35 a.m. Fire Marshal Lt. Chuck Chapin said the cause of the fire was determined to be a heat lamp left too close to combustibles.

Earlier: Firefighters are on scene at a barn fire in the 5100 block of Nansemond Parkway.

The fire was reported at 7:23 a.m. after a passerby noticed smoke in the area, according to a city press release. The first units arrived on scene at 7:27 a.m.

The barn was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, according to the release, but all animals had been removed from the structure. Firefighters began defensive tactics. There was no risk to any of the neighboring structures.

There were no injuries, the press release stated.

Nansemond Parkway at Shoulders Hill Road was closed, and traffic was being diverted through the Suffolk Meadows neighborhood.

The Fire Marshal’s Office will investigate the cause of the fire.