A Colorado man has been hailed as a hero for risking his own life to save as many horses as possible after a fire broke out in the barn where he works.
Eddie Soto Sanchez was sleeping at his home at Hidden Pines Farm in Franktown on Monday when he was alerted to the fire, according to NBC affiliate KUSA and ABC affiliate KMGH-TV.
Fourteen horses were trapped in the barn when Soto Sanchez, who works as the farm’s property manager, arrived at the burning building, KUSA reported.
“I ran to the barn, opened the door, ran in and it was dark,” he explained, noting that “a hot cloud of smoke just flew out” of the barn.
Dog and owner rescued after falling more than 175 feet down a gorge in New York
Soto Sanchez burned his hands while working to open the stall door, according to KUSA.
“I could hear the fire just kind of growing inside the barn,” he told KMGH-TV. He also recalled hearing the horses “screaming” and “kicking” throughout the ordeal.
The Franktown Fire Protection District confirmed the four horses were rescued by their caretaker “before the smoke became too thick”.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Firefighters eventually pulled Soto Sanchez out of the barn, KUSA writes. At one point, Soto Sanchez “managed to break away” from the firefighter and tried to save Dave, “an older, retired horse.”
However, the horse did not come out. “I called his name and he just wouldn’t answer,” Soto Sanchez said through tears. “At that point they told me there’s nothing you can do.”
Two horses rescued from the barn are still in the animal hospital, according to KUSA. The other two are in the equestrian park.
Search continues for missing pug dog involved in California boating accident that killed her father
Soto Sanchez is still upset about the loss of 10 horses in the fire. “I keep thinking about what I could have done differently to make sure I saved more horses than I did,” he said through tears.
Soto Sanchez was briefly hospitalized Monday after suffering minor burns and smoke inhalation during the ordeal, according to a GoFundMe campaign started in support of him.
He and his family are currently staying in a rented apartment, as his home on the property does not have working water or propane after the fire, KUSA reported. His immediate goal is to secure the future of his family.
As of Monday night, more than $20,000 had been raised through GoFundMe to support Soto Sanchez.
After her daughter’s death, mom creates Carefarm — with rescued animals — to help others suffering from loss
“Let’s continue to support our local hero so he and his family feel safe this holiday season,” the organizer wrote.
The fire is under investigation, according to FFPD.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education