Aurora firefighters saved a horse from a burning barn off Sheffer Road in Aurora Friday morning.
At approximately 6:50am Friday, the Aurora Fire Department responded to a first-alarm fire at a structure in the 1600 block of Sheffer Road, where they found a pole barn with fire showing but no nearby structures threatened.
The initial response included two engine companies, one truck company, one medic unit, and one chief officer, totaling 12 personnel. Firefighters quickly deployed an attack line to suppress the fire and, due to the large amounts of hay and tires stored in the structure, extensive overhaul operations were required to fully extinguish smoldering materials.
While working to extinguish the blaze, crews worked to save a horse struggling from smoke inhalation. Fire department medics provided emergency oxygen, and after a tense moment, the animal regained its strength, stood up, and walked out of the barn on its own.
Sadly, despite efforts to rescue them, eight goats in the barn did not survive the fire.
“The quick actions of our firefighters not only stopped the fire from spreading but also saved the life of an animal in distress,” said Fire Chief David McCabe. “Fires in barns and agricultural structures present unique challenges, and this incident underscores the importance of fast, effective intervention.”
The structure was deemed uninhabitable following the fire. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Aurora Fire Department investigators.
