Ohio: Barn fire that killed 44 horses was an equestrian training center

BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio (WCMH) – A massive barn fire that killed 44 horses remains under investigation by the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Fire and Explosion Investigations Bureau of the Division of State Fire Marshal.

The fire occurred on June 8 at 8755 State Route 638 in Belle Center in Logan County. The Richland Fire Department and several units from various agencies were called to the building, which was engulfed in flames at around 12:18 p.m.

The building, a 60,000-square-foot agricultural structure, was used as an equestrian training center, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce. A location search shows the address is a Brant Performance Horses business.

Drone footage released by the Department of Commerce shows that after the fire was contained, smoke was rising from the entire building and the entire roof was charred by the flames.

Several people were reportedly in the stable, but only one required treatment for burns. Brant Performance Horses’ Facebook page said the injured man was still in the hospital but recovering.

It is believed that there were up to 50 horses in the barn, but about six were rescued and the Department of Commerce confirmed that 44 horses died in the fire.

State Fire Marshal’s Office investigators, in conjunction with local and other agencies, continue to determine the cause of the fire.