fire firegeezer on 21 Nov 2008 08:28 am
27 Racehorses Die In Kentucky Barn Fire
A FIRE BLAZED THROUGH A BARN in a western Kentucky racehorse training facility early Thursday morning.
The fire at the Riverside Downs in Henderson destroyed one of the barns and killed 27 thoroughbreds stabled there. Four horses survived the fire which started shortly after 5 am and was contained to the one barn which was insured.
Henderson Gleaner / Lawrence photo
The Louisville Courier-Journal reports:
Three investigators with the Kentucky State Fire Marshal’s office were on the scene last night.
The barn was a total loss, but Deputy State Fire Marshal Chris Pentecost said the cause …. of the fire (has) not yet been determined.
The horses had been running at tracks in the surrounding area, including Churchill, Hoosier Park and Beulah Park. About 70 horses remain at Riverside, a former quarterhorse and harness track now used to stable and exercise horses, co-owner Mark Bowling said.
Earlier, in January of this year Riverside had a fire that killed six horses. It was blamed on a vending machine electrical cord.
Henderson Gleaner / Lawrence
Investigators say that yesterday’s fire began near the electric service meter base and panel. “No specific material could be identified as the ignition source,” according to Kentucky State Police. “There were no signs of arson.” Riverside Downs has a good reputation for operating a clean and safe facility.
The Evansville Courier & Press has MORE.
The Henderson Gleaner has a PHOTO GALLERY.
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