Update: COLES COUNTY, Ill (WTWO/WAWV) – According to our sister station, WCIA, a dog was also killed in the fire. WCIA confirmed that a sixth horse was found deceased Saturday morning.
Original: A fire broke out Friday night in a horse barn at the Coles County Fairgrounds, killing five horses.
According to a media release from the Charleston Fire Department, just after 9:00 p.m., fire crews were dispatched on the report of a horse barn fire at the Coles County Fairgrounds with horses still inside.
Upon arrival, fire crews found the structure was fully engulfed in flames and multiple bystanders and horses were in the area.
According to the release, firefighters began a defensive attack to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent barns. Additional resources were called in to assist.
During primary and secondary searches of the barn, five horses were found dead. Bystanders were able to evacuate horses from neighboring barns successfully.
Due to significant damage to the barn, interior firefighting operations were stopped for the safety of firefighters. Heavy machinery was brought in to assist in overhaul efforts.
According to the Charleston Fire Department, no fire-related injuries were reported. However, one bystander sustained minor injuries after being kicked by a horse while assisting with evacuations.
The Charleston Fire Department remained on the scene until approximately 1:00 a.m. on Saturday. The Charleston Fire Department was assisted by Mattoon Fire Department, Lincoln Fire Protection District, Ameren CIPS, Coles County 911, Charleston Police Department, Snider Farms
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
