Sprinklers, firefighters save over 100 horses at Mass. barn fire

Sprinklers contained a fire in a stall as firefighters rescued 161 horses in the West Springfield barn

September 23, 2024 08:26 AM

By Jessica Bravo
New Haven Register

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The West Springfield Fire Department said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of a barn fire at the Big E that resulted in 161 horses needing to be evacuated on Friday night.

At around 11:45 p.m., firefighters responded to the C Barn after receiving calls about the fire, according to the department. They said that the sprinkler system worked successfully and contained the flames.

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“Upon arrival, it was confirmed that the reported C Barn on the grounds had a working fire that required the immediate evacuation of the animals housed in the barn,” the department said.

The department added that “a total of 161 horses are safe and recovered with minor injuries” after escaping the fire at the festival.

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