A fast-moving fire at Hanover Shoe Farms in Adams County killed 12 horses, leaving the century-old farm reeling.
A fire at Hanover Shoe Farms in Adams County killed 12 horses after flames spread rapidly from a manure pile outside one of the barns, according to the fire department . 'I never thought that it would happen,' Russell Williams , president of Hanover Shoe Farms , said.
Barn reduced to rubbleThe barn on Sell Station Road, once home to 38 stalls, was reduced to rubble, leaving behind charred and smoky debris. 'We were able to get three out of the barn, but we lost 12 horses,' Williams said.
Rescue efforts amid the flamesWhile some horses were out to pasture and spared from the flames, employees at Hanover Shoe Farms worked tirelessly to save as many animals as possible. 'Some of my employees had tears running down their faces, but they were doing what they could,' Williams said.
As cleanup begins, Williams emphasized the importance of addressing the emotional impact of the tragedy.'We're going to have grief counseling for the employees this week. Because it's, you know, I think it's so horrifying that you're just numb, I think. And I think there's a grief process that most of us will have to work out,' he said.
The fire department confirmed the fire started with a manure pile, describing the incident as a freak fire. 'When I got there, and I couldn't have been long after the fire was first reported, the structure had already collapsed, and the metal roof had melted down over the substructure,' Williams said.
Young horses among those lostThe barn housed 15 horses, with two more in a paddock attached to the structure. While three horses were rescued, a dozen perished in the flames, including some that were only days old. 'Life is what we're all about. And when something like this happens, it's terrible to think that any horses would lose their lives that way,' Williams said.
A devastating loss for the farmThe fire left behind charred remains and broken hearts at the farm.'To have their lives cut off like that is just unbelievable,' Williams said. In its century-long history, Hanover Shoe Farms has never experienced an event like this, Williams said.
38 Stalls Adams County Barn Fire Hanover Shoe Farms Russell Williams Sell Station Road Barn Fire President Of Hanover Shoe Farms Horse Russell Williams Hanover Shoe Farms Fire Barn Employee Flame Life Adams County Farm Manure Pile Structure Fire Department Flameswhile Rubblethe Barn Emotional Impact
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