Published on July 12, 2025 2:46 pm
Last Updated on July 12, 2025 2:46 pm
(FROM THE FIRE SCENE FRIDAY NIGHT COURTESY OF CHARLESTON FIRE DEPARTMENT)
Fire did significant structure damage to a horse barn on the Coles County Fairgrounds in Charleston Friday night.
Five horses located in the fire-involved structure were found dead. All horses in neighboring barns were successfully evacuated.
The fire was reported just after 9pm Friday. When firefighters reached the scene, they found the 40-by-100-foot metal horse barn fully engulfed in flames. Multiple bystanders and loose horses were observed in the surrounding area.
As far as the human toll, no fire-related injuries were reported. However, one bystander sustained minor injuries after being kicked by a horse while assisting with evacuations. No transport to the hospital was required.
The Charleston Fire Department remained on the scene until approximately 1am Saturday. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Working at the fire scene with the Charleston Fire Department were the Mattoon Fire Department, Lincoln Fire Protection District, Ameren CIPS, Coles County 911, Charleston Police Department, and Snider Farms.
