| Fire Kills Six Horses By Vince Tweddell A fire possibly caused by lightning ravaged a barn at Stewart Home School Monday night, killing six horses. The barn had housed seven horses the school used in a therapeutic riding program that school Director Sandy Bell said more than 100 students took part in. One horse, Tia Marie, survived, escaping with scorched hair on her back, Bell said. None of the 400 students who live on the sprawling 850-acre southern Franklin County campus was injured, Bell said. Bell and Franklin County Fire Chief Gary Watts said they thought lightning caused the fire. But that had not been confirmed at the scene
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About 15 firefighters worked in blustery conditions to contain the blaze. In a brief interview at about 8:30 p.m., Watts said the fire was under control, but firefighters remained at the scene for several hours watching hot spots. Bell said some of the students were devastated to learn that the horses had died because they were such an integral part of life at the school. The horses were ridden and used to drive carriages and some students worked with them daily. One student, K.T. of Haley, Idaho, even cited the importance of the horses and riding program in a Monday speech she gave while campaigning to be mayor of the school, Bell said. "Our students love this program. They love these horses," Bell said. "It's just a part of Stewart Home School."
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Watts said officials from the state fire marshal's office and Kentucky State Police arson investigations were called to pinpoint the cause. Fire crews were dispatched to the scene at 7 p.m. There was no damage to other buildings on campus. Founded in 1893, the school, located on the site of the old Kentucky Military Institute, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It caters to students of all ages " currently ranging from age 13 to 86 " with intellectual disabilities. Its Web site says "the school offers a one-of-a-kind community where the intellectually disabled are appreciated for the people they are." Bell said the school will probably get more horses in the future. "I'm sure we will at some point. It's a very important part of life at Stewart Home School," she said. |
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