COCOA, Florida -- State and local fire investigators say an electrical issue
likely caused a two-alarm fire yesterday that killed a pregnant horse and
caused more than $425,000 in damages at a Canaveral Groves home and horse
breeding facility near Cocoa, Florida.
Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) units were dispatched just
after 2 p.m. on Monday to the home at 5400 Calamondin Avenue for reports of a structure
fire. Officials believe that the fire
began inside a breeding stable then quickly spread to a nearby horse trailer
containing more than 200 bales of hay.
As
the fire raged, heavy west winds pushed the intense heat and flames toward the
main residence, igniting the home’s roof.
When firefighters arrived on scene, all three structures were heavily
involved in fire and a defensive fire attack was initiated. Additional crews from BCFR, Cape Canaveral
Fire Department, Rockledge Fire Department and Cocoa Fire Department were called
in to assist as flying embers lit nearby trees and brush on fire.
The fire was reported by two men who were working at the
site. Residents of the home were away at
a horse show when they received notification of the incident and returned to
the scene. Fire officials say the home,
stable, and trailer were insured.
Friends and neighbors are assisting the victims with immediate needs,
including hay and equipment needed to care for nearly a dozen other horses that
were uninjured. The Red Cross is also
assisting.
A pregnant mare, due to give birth to a foal this week, was
housed inside the breeding stable and did not survive. Bystanders attempted to rescue the horse from
the burning structure but had to abandon attempts as the fire grew and portions
of the roof began to collapse around them.
More than 35 firefighters were called to the scene to battle
the blaze. One firefighter suffered a
minor finger injury but is doing well.
No other injuries were reported.
