JANESVILLE, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin couple is grieving after a fire burned through their barn, killing 24 horses.

Two more horses had to be put down after they were badly burned in the fire at a rehabilitation facility for hurt and abandoned horses in Footville, just outside Janesville, around 8:45 a.m. Wednesday.

Cindy Bondowski told WISC-TV her soul was hurting for the horses. She says the material loss is overwhelming but the loss of the horses is heartbreaking.

Jim and Cindy Bondowski tried to save the horses. But Jim says the whole barn burst into flames when he opened up the big door and the fresh air got inside.

Jim told WMTV-TV more than a dozen horses who were outside when the fire erupted survived.

Footville Fire Chief Joe North hasn’t pinpointed a cause, but says he suspects an electrical problem or heater hanging from a supply room ceiling.

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