A fire at a veterinary clinic in Ohio on Friday, Feb. 7 has caused extensive damage to the clinic's main barn with a number of horses reportedly perishing in the blaze.

Just before 8 p.m. on Friday night, firefighters in Jackson Twp. reported to a fire on Borror Rd. in Grove City, Oh., just west of Scioto Downs and just south of Columbus. The address belongs to Woodland Run Equine Veterinary, a full service equine veterinary hospital "specializing in lameness and sports medicine" according to its website.

Early reports indicate that five or as many as six horses perished in the fire. The breeds and identities of those horses has not been disclosed at this time.

“The USTA sends heartfelt thoughts and sympathies to the veterinarians, staff, and horse owners affected by the devastating fire at the Woodland Run Equine Veterinarian Facility,” said U.S. Trotting Association CEO and Executive Vice President Mike Tanner. “This facility has long been a vital part of the Standardbred industry, providing expert care and support to countless horses and their owners. Our hearts are with the entire equine community during this tragic time.”

“A tragedy like this affects the entire Standardbred community,”  said Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Executive Director Frank Fraas.  “We are thinking of the entire staff of Woodland Run and the owners that were affected by the fire.”

As of Saturday morning the fire was still under investigation. Further updates on the Woodland Run fire will be posted when available.

(Standardbred Canada)