Connecticut barn fire kills 24 horses

  • Barn fire at a farm in Connecticut, killed 24 horses from smoke inhalation
  • Folly Farm owners:  ‘There are no words to express our sorrow this morning’
  • The fire, started around 6.45am, was put out within minutes by 35 firefighters 
  •  Police are still investigating the cause of the fire 

A barn fire at a Connecticut equestrian training and boarding farm has killed 24 horses from smoke inhalation.

The fire at Folly Farm in Simsbury was reported Thursday morning at around 6.45am and was extinguished within minutes as 35 firefighters responded in subfreezing temperatures.

A post on the farm’s Facebook page expressed the sadness felt by the owners of the farm.

The owners of the Connecticut equestrian training and boarding farm in Simsbury (pictured) said 24 horses died in the fire from smoke inhalation

It said: ‘There are no words to express our sorrow this morning. The fire department is still investigating the possible cause of the fire in our arena barn however 24 of our beloved horses have passed away due to smoke inhalation. 

‘Our hearts are broken. These horses and our clients are our family. Thank you to everyone for the outpouring of support.’

No firefighters or workers on the farm were injured in the fire.

A second Facebook post by Folly Farm added: ‘Most of these horses were part of our Riding School and our Polo School, and three were privately owned.

‘These gentle souls taught hundreds of children and adults how to ride, to play polo, and to love through the years. 

‘They were the heart and soul of Folly Farm and of our lives.’

There are 19 horses housed in other barns on the farm that were unaffected. 

Farm and fire officials are notifying the horses’ owners.

Folly Farm is a 175-acre family-owned farm about 10 miles northwest of Hartford. It offers horse riding and competition lessons, boarding and polo instruction.

The fire at Folly Farm started at around 6.45am and was put out by 35 firefighters within minutes. The fire department is still investigating the cause

The fire at Folly Farm started at around 6.45am and was put out by 35 firefighters within minutes. The fire department is still investigating the cause

Relatives of the owners of Folly Farm walk near the barn. Other barns on the farm were unaffected 

Relatives of the owners of Folly Farm walk near the barn. Other barns on the farm were unaffected 

Doug Norrdin, center, walks with friends following a fire in a barn of his parent's farm. A post on Facebook by the owners said: 'There are no words to express our sorrow this morning'

Doug Norrdin, center, walks with friends following a fire in a barn of his parent’s farm. A post on Facebook by the owners said: ‘There are no words to express our sorrow this morning’



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