According to a media statement from the West Springfield (Massachusetts) Fire Department, a blaze that erupted in one of the barns at that city’s Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds (home to the “Big E” exposition) on Friday, September 20, resulted in the evacuation of 161 horses stabled there.

Multiple injuries to horses and people—none of them life-threatening—have been reported, and an investigation as to the cause of the conflagration is said to be underway. Normal activities with the 4-H Horse Show in the nearby Coliseum resumed the next day.

Update

The fire department issued the following update on its social media:

“1305 Memorial Ave, Eastern States Fairground, C Barn Incident. September 20, 2024.

“West Springfield, MA: The West Springfield Fire Department received a total of 28 calls for service on the Eastern States Exposition grounds September 20, 2024. Following a regular operational closure at 11:00 pm the West Springfield Fire Department received a call for service 11:45 pm for a reported fire. Upon arrival, it was confirmed that the reported C Barn on the grounds had a working fire that required the immediate evacuation of the animals housed in the barn.

“The fire was contained, and the sprinkler system was successful in ensuring the safety of animals and exhibitors.

“Following a sweep from the Mass Fire Services Drone team we can confirm that a total of 161 horses are safe and recovered with minor injuries.

“The cause of the fire is currently an ongoing investigation being conducted by the West Springfield Fire Department with assistance from the State Police assigned to the Fire Marshal’s office.

“We would like to mention that the response was a collaborative effort between the West Springfield Fire Department on and off duty, West Springfield Police Department, Mass State Police, MEMA, exhibitors and Eastern States Exposition staff.”