Fifteen horses were killed and up to 50 ‘traumatised’ in a fire that was ‘started deliberately’ last night.
Survivors were dragged to safety from burning stables by passers-by after the roof caved in at the Elmwood Equestrian Centre in Burnham, Essex.
The site owner’s business partner, David Shaw, said some horses had ‘no hope’, adding he was ‘gutted’ after the blaze ravaged through the liveries, which housed 70 animals.
The roof fell in during the fire, which killed 15 horses and left up to 50 traumatised after they were rescued from the devastation
‘All the owners of the horses have been up here today, but they’re not allowed on site at the moment,’ he said.
‘There were a lot of people here last night.
‘We let the animals in the adjoining sheds out to keep them safe, and away from the fire and smoke inhalation, but the ones in the shed that burnt had no hope.’
Fellow equestrians and people living close have already raised more than £3,000 to pay for shelters and vets bills after the fire at the rental stables.
Police confirmed they are treating last night’s fire as suspicious after passers-by were forced to pull surviving animals from the rubble
A post on a fundraising page (which can be accessed here) that was set up today says: ‘When the firefighters arrived, the building was already engulfed in flames, and the roof had begun to collapse inwards.
‘They tried their best to save and release as many horses as they could.
‘Speaking to the people involved this morning is heartbreaking, watching the barn collapse knowing your beloved horses are in there, is unimaginable.
‘Therefore, we have set up this just giving page, to raise as much money as possible for the yard, in order to replace what has been lost, help towards shelters for the horses, and even vets bills.’
The centre in Burnham, Essex, housed 70 horses before last night’s fire, which has devastated the equestrian community
Nearby stables and equestrian businesses also offered their support in wake of the fire.
Rawreth Equestrian Centre in Wickford, Essex, issued a statement expressing condolences in the wake of the fire.
‘Our thoughts and sympathy are with all those who tragically have lost their horse or pony in the fire at Elmwood last night,’ it reads.
The equestrian centre in Essex was home to 70 horses before the fatal fire hit the liveries last night
‘Donations of spare rugs etc can be taken to Birkett Hall in Woodham for anyone who has some that they no longer need.’
Deanswood Equestrian Centre in Cressing, Essex, added: ‘Absolutely devastating news to wake up to this morning.
‘Our deepest sympathies go out to the Elmwood Equestrian centre who last night had a barn fire which resulted in the loss of horses lives.
Fundraisers have already racked up thousands in donations as police investigate the cause of the blaze
‘We have seen a lot of offers to take rugs and bits to them this week, lovely to see everyone coming together.
‘However they will also need money, for vets bills and to provide new shelters for the remaining horses. Please visit the page and give what you can.’
Beechwood Equestrian Centre in Chelmsford, Essex, also published a statement saying: ‘It is with deep sadness that the Beechwood team have learnt of the devastating yard fire.
‘Our heartfelt condolences go out to all those affected by the tragedy. We are thinking of you at this terrible time.
‘To help those at Elmwood, we are opening a drop off post for any donations of equipment that may be needed.
‘Suggestions include, but aren’t limited to, rugs, headcollars, lead reins, haynets, boots and bandages, first aid supplies and buckets.’
Police confirmed they are treating the fire as suspicious and are investigating the cause.