Investigation Continues Into Stable Fire That Killed 32 Horses
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CHICAGO (CBS) -- Investigators have not yet determined what caused a stable fire that killed 32 horses near north suburban Woodstock, but they said they know where it started.
A fire destroyed the Valley View Acres stable late Saturday night, killing 32 of the 37 horses inside.
"We're kind of looking towards the area in which the hay was stored as the area of origin for the fire. Now, what exactly started that, we're still looking into that," Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Chris Olsen said.
The two-story barn collapsed in the fire.
At this point, investigators do not suspect arson. The Illinois State Fire Marshal and McHenry County Sheriff's police were assisting with the investigation.
The five horses that survived the fire were in good condition Monday. Thirty-two other horses burned to death in the blaze.
Olsen said it was tough for firefighters who arrived to find the stable engulfed in flames.
"Certainly not something you come across every day. We feel terrible for the family, for their loss; and the owners of the horses. We wish we could have done more, but due to the fire conditions, they were probably deceased prior to our arrival," he said.
One firefighter was injured battling the blaze, and was treated at a hospital. No one else was injured.
