A barn fire in Nichols, New York on Thursday morning killed more than 24 horses and injured one person.
According to a news release from the New York State Police, an investigation revealed that Boyd H. Fenton of Athens, Pennsylvania, allegedly entered a barn at the Tioga Downs casino complex and intentionally set it on fire.
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In addition to the deaths of multiple racehorses, his alleged actions caused thousands of dollars in damage, according to the NYSP. NYSP reported that one person who tried to save the horses also suffered second-degree burns and was taken to Robert Packer Hospital for treatment.
In extinguishing the fire, the work of several agencies was required. According to the NYSP, the burning flames were extinguished with the combined efforts of the Nichols, Tioga Center and Waverly Barton fire departments.
Pennsylvania fire departments also responded to the scene, including Wyndham Township, Athens Fire and Athens Borough Fire, Greater Valley EMS and the Bradford County Rehab trailer. Other responding agencies included Tioga County EMS, Tioga County Fire Investigation, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control and New York State Police.
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American Racing & Entertainment president Jeff Gural issued a statement on Facebook saying the tragedy was “a loss no one could have imagined or expected.”
Photo of horse featured on GoFundMe created for equestrians affected by barn fire.
GoFundMe
“The investigation is ongoing, so we are currently unable to comment further. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the first responders, we have a wonderful community and we are honored to be a part of it,” added his statement.
Fenton, 32, was charged with third-degree arson, third-degree burglary, second-degree criminal mischief and second-degree assault. He was charged and taken to the Tioga County Jail.
The New York State Police confirmed that their investigation is ongoing and expressed their “condolences to the affected individuals and families who lost their beloved animals during this tragic incident.”
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A GoFundMe started to support the affected horsemen has more than 800 donations as of this writing and has surpassed its fundraising goal of $50,000.
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Source: HIS Education