PINE PLAINS - They showed up to put out a burning barn but found themselves dodging bullets.

Authorities in Dutchess County say firefighters had to keep their distance from the barn fire in Pine Plains Saturday because ammunition stored inside was going off when they got there.

The barn was already fully ablaze when firefighters arrived, and officials say they could do nothing but watch for about 20 minutes as the ammunition exploded.

Pine Plains Assistant Fire Chief Robert Mizgier says the fire appears to have spread from a wood stove, where the building's owner, Zebulon Taintor, was burning papers.

The building was a total loss.

One firefighter was taken to a hospital and treated for chest pains.

Two others were treated on the scene for heat-related injuries.