Barn Fire Claims Numerous Animals

Fire in a barn Wednesday morning at a Loudoun County fox hunting club killed three horses and 17 dogs.

More than 50 fox hounds that were in the barn survived the fire. Six had to be hospitalized. Five others that were burned will be cared for at the club.

Loudoun County fire officials say it appears the fire was an accident. The property's caretaker Kevin Palmer who runs Fairfax Hunt Club says he was told by investigators the fire started in old refrigerator in the barn.

Dozens of the Palmer's friends and neighbors came by to see for themselves what happened. Kevin and daughter Tabitha Palmer say the tried to save the horses and all of the dogs but the heat and flames were just too intense.

At mid-day, they buried the horses and hounds in a wooded area behind the barn. The property is called Red Hill Farm. It's on Stone School Lane just outside Leesburg.
 

Loudoun County Fire-Rescue Services Press Release

Shortly after 7 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, fire-rescue crews responded to Red Hill Farm, which is located in the 41200 block of Stone School Lane just outside of Leesburg, for a reported barn fire. Several 911 calls were received from citizens who were concerned about the various animals sheltered in the barn.

Emergency personnel from Arcola, South Riding, Aldie, Ashburn and Leesburg responded to the fire located 41241 Stone School Lane. First arriving units encountered heavy fire throughout a 60X20 barn and quickly began suppression activities and animal rescue. The fire was brought under control and units remain on scene assisting Loudoun County Animal Control with animal care.

At this time, officials report that three horses and seventeen dogs perished as a result of the fire. Local veterinarians were on the scene to assess and triage dogs as they were found. Ten of the dogs were transported by Animal Control to a veterinary hospital for further treatment and/or observation. A majority of the dogs were able to escape and most of those have been found and are being cared for at the facility.

The barn appears to be a complete loss and the Loudoun County Fire Marshals Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire, but appears to be accidental. Preliminary dollar loss to the property, which is used by the Fairfax Hunt Club, is estimated at $200,000.

There were no reported injuries to civilians or emergency personnel.