Man Charged In Casino Fire That Killed 30 Race HorsesNew York Harness Track Plans Memorial |
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A Pennsylvania man was arrested last week for allegedly setting fire to a barn that led to the death of numerous horses at a harness racing track and casino located in Nichols, New York.
Boyd H. Fenton, 32, was arrested by New York state police for arson and other crimes after the fire broke out at the Tioga Downs facility on Nov. 9. On Monday, track officials announced that the total number of horse deaths caused by the incident had reached 30.
“We are deeply saddened by today’s tragedy, it was a loss no one could have imagined or expected,” Tioga owner Jeff Gural said after the fire. “We would like to express our sincere gratitude for all of the first responders who rushed to our aid. We have a wonderful community and we are honored to be a part of it.”
Motive Remains Unknown
Officials believe the fire was set around 6:30 a.m. and four area fire departments responded to battle the blaze. Firefighters encountered a major fire, which also left one person suffering second-degree burns after entering the burning building in an attempt to save the horses. The injured person was taken to a local hospital and the fire also resulted in thousands of dollars in damage at the track.
Police haven’t announced a motive Fenton may have had for allegedly starting the fire and he’s now been charged with arson and burglary in the third degree, as well as criminal mischief and assault in the second degree.
Track officials announced that the horses were buried in the area next to the barn. A dedicated memorial for those that were lost in the fire is also planned at the track. Tioga Downs officials say the memorial will show the impact and importance that the horses playe in the area’s harness racing community.
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