Proper planning was the key to averting disaster early Sunday morning (May 9) when fire struck a barn at Plainridge Racecourse

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"This fire speaks volumes about fire prevention," was how Plainville Fire Chief Ted Joubert characterized the event to the Sun Chronicle.

Joubert added that the sprinkler systems located in each barn at the Massachusetts track were essential to quickly knocking down the blaze. "The sprinkler systems did exactly what they were supposed to do,” Joubert said.

The fire broke out in a tack stall at approximately 3:00 a.m. Sunday and immediately tripped an alarm at the Plainville Fire Station. That the Plainridge barn area was wired into the track's fire alarm system undoubtedly aided the quick response that followed. Plainville firefighters, along with those from surrounding towns, were on the scene in minutes, and joined track security and local horsemen in quickly clearing the barn. Roughly 40 horses were housed in the stable, and from initial reports it appears that none of the animals suffered any serious injuries.

As a precaution no horses stabled in the affected barn will be allowed to race on the Monday or Tuesday cards, and none will be drawn into race until cleared by veterinarians, given the amount of smoke generated by the fire.

"We felt it was in the best interests of both the animals and the wagering public to make sure that any impact from the fire is addressed before those horses participate in racing," said Plainridge General Manager Steve O'Toole.

Joubert termed the efforts of the track personnel and the horsemen on the scene as "great," and noted that Plainridge management has been proactive dealing with fire prevention issues since the track opened more than a decade ago. It appears that vigilance paid off Sunday.

"A fire is something you never want to deal with," said O'Toole. "We are just thrilled that the efforts of the local fire fighters and our staff averted a certain disaster."

(Plainridge Racecourse)