SPRINGFIELD--Fifteen horses are dead after a fire set a barnyard ablaze here early this morning.
Flames engulfed the one-story barnyard, killing 13 thoroughbreds and two saddle horses. Ten horses escaped, two them with their backs on fire.
Only charred wooden supports remain from the barn, which burned from 4 a.m. until about noon.
The fire started in the middle of the barn, Fire Chief Perry said. The electrical outlets and heaters were at the end of the barn, according to assistant track manager Dan Bucci. Fire officials are considering arson in their investigation.
The only remains from the fire were some charred wooden supports, and broken hearts. “Those are my best friends,” said jockey Albert Ramos pointing at the horses with glassy eyes, “I love horses more than I do people. I feel like I want to cry.”
All other available employees declined comment, but expressed their dismay at the possibility of an arsonist starting the fire.
This is the first fire of its kind in Springfield, and the first fire in the state to involve the killing of horses since 1987.
