It has been reported that an early-morning Labour Day fire in a barn complex beside the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia has claimed the lives of 27
thoroughbreds.
According to an article by The Herald-Mail, Independent Fire Co. Chief Ed Smith said that it was the worst fire he has witnessed involving animals.
The report goes on to state that officials said that it was unclear what started the fire, which was reported at 4:41 a.m. More than 40 firefighters were able to prevent the blaze from spreading to barns on either side of the four that were destroyed.
Smith said 26 horses were rescued, and that he is skeptical to whether investigators are going to be able to find the cause of the blaze in the rubble.
“I don’t think he’s (Assistant State Fire Marshal Patrick Barker) going to find anything," Smith was quoted as saying. "With a total burn like this, it’s hard to come up with a source.”
Smith was also cited as saying that although the fire was under control in about 30 minutes, the blaze was so intense that there was nothing firefighters could do to save the four barns.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of all the horses affected by the fire at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races.
(With files from The Herald-Mail)