Up To 32 Horses Die In Woodstock Stable Fire
WOODSTOCK, Ill. (CBS/STMW) -- The cause of a fire at a Woodstock stable is under investigation after 32 horses died Saturday night, reports WBBM's Mariam Sobh.
Firefighters responded to the blaze at 10:53 p.m. at Valley View Acres, 5116 Mt Thabor Road, in a rural area of unincorporated Woodstock, according to Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Chief Paul Deraedt. The fire was struck out about two hours later.
There were 37 horses in the stable at the time of the fire, but it is believed that only five survived, Deraedt said. The surviving horses were found in a nearby pasture and appear to be in good health.
Podcast
One firefighter suffered minor injuries battling the blaze and was taken to a hospital, where he was treated and released, authorities said. No one else was injured.
Valley View Acres is a family owned horse boarding facility, Deraedt said. The homeowner's son was home when the fire occurred and woke up to "crackling sounds" coming from the area near the barn.
"He looked out the window and saw the fire," Deraedt said. "The two story barn collapsed and, it is believed at this time, that 32 horses perished in the fire."
Firefighters struggled to put out the blaze due to a lack of fire hydrants and immediate manpower, according to a statement from the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department.
"There was a lot of hay – there was a lot of stuff – and it's going to be a while until we can sort all this out," Deraedt added. "A vet will be coming in to identify the horses."
Preliminary damage estimates indicate the horses lost could be valued at more than $1 million. Each horse is likely to be insured for "about $50,000 to $75,000," Deraedt said.
"Everything is under investigation," Deraedt said. "The State Fire Marshall has been notified."
Crystal Lake was assisted by numerous fire departments and agencies. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Valley View Acres could not be immediately reached Sunday morning.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2014. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
