Six horses were killed in a large barn fire in Harvard overnight, officials said.
The Harvard Fire Protection District was dispatched to the 19100 block of Crowley Road in unincorporated Harvard at 11:58 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, said Harvard Fire Protection District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha.
Initial 911 callers reported a fully involved barn with animals possibly inside, Vucha said.
Vucha said firefighters arrived within 10 minutes and confirmed heavy fire coming from a 50-by-60-foot pole barn, with fire extending toward a second, much larger barn nearby.
Due to the rural setting, visible fire conditions, and limited access to water, the incident was upgraded to a second MABAS Alarm Box, bringing in additional water supplies and manpower from neighboring departments, Vucha said.
Crews deployed multiple hose lines to bring the fire under control while simultaneously establishing rural water operations at the roadway using water tenders and portable tanks.
Additional personnel focused on protecting the nearby barn and preventing further spread, Vucha said.
The main body of fire was contained within approximately 60 minutes but firefighters remained on scene for several hours extinguishing residual hot spots and assisting with the investigation.
Six horses located inside the barn were killed in the fire, Vucha said.
No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
The barn and its contents are considered a complete loss, Vucha said, and initial damage estimates are not currently available.
More than a dozen neighboring fire departments responded to assist with the operation. Their support underscores the effectiveness and importance of the mutual aid system in managing large-scale rural incidents, Vucha said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Harvard Fire Protection District.