The Saratoga Springs Fire Department and Saratoga Springs Police have provided an update regarding the Friday, March 28 barn fire at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.
Barn 15 at the track caught fire Friday morning. Firefighters, horse owners and track security guards helped evacuate the horses to safety. Barn 15 housed roughly 30 horses.
A follow-up report by timesunion.com has cited Saratoga Springs Fire Department Captain Thomas Knight as saying that the fire started in the tack room area and spread to an attic space before it was brought under control.
The article has quoted Saratoga Springs Police Lt. Robert Jillson as saying that "The cause of the fire was electrical and believed to be accidental at this time," adding that "the investigation will continue and is still open."
The report has cited Lt. Jillson as saying that the number of affected horses was in the range of 15 to 20.
In a statement on the situation, Saratoga Casino and Raceway COO Jamie Hartman said, "The quick response of our team members and horsemen ensured the safety of all horses and personnel impacted by today's events." Hartman went on to add, "We are also very grateful for the immediate response of our local Saratoga Springs Fire Department, whose quick response ensured that the fire was quickly contained."
(With files from timesunion.com)