Horses rescued from nighttime fire at Big E

Authorities said several horses were evacuated and two escaped from their pen after a fire broke out in a barn at the Big E overnight.

Two horses escaped the fire, one of which was later captured on Route 5, according to a Facebook post by the handler who owns the horses. The horses, named Dante and Ilias, both reportedly escaped the fire. Dante suffered minor injuries while escaping the fire, including a torn muscle, cuts and bruises, and abrasions, according to his handler.

Shortly before midnight, a horse owner was informed about the fire by telephone, he wrote on Facebook.

“11:53 PM…the call NO HORSE PERSON or anyone else wants to get. Jamie… …Barn C is on fire. Dante and Ilias are loose but safe. WHAT? Ben and I jumped out of bed…got dressed, hooked up our trailer and were out the door in 6 minutes. I don't think I've ever had so much adrenaline pumping through my veins. We got from North Brookfield to West Springfield in 40 minutes.”

According to officials, all horses have been found and no serious injuries have been reported.

“Following The Big E's regular closing time Friday evening, a small fire was reported in C Barn on the Eastern States Exposition grounds. The horses housed in C Barn were immediately evacuated. All horses are safe and no serious injuries were reported,” said Bridget Kelleher, The Big E's assistant marketing manager.

Officials said the fire is being investigated by the West Springfield Fire Association Unit with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police, which is under the Office of the Fire Marshal.

“We are grateful for the quick response from our team and the authorities, as well as all exhibitors who are supporting each other during this transition,” said Kelleher.

Normal activities at the Colosseum will resume today with the 4-H horse show, officials said.

Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected]

Originally published: September 21, 2024 at 10:23 am