DES MOINES, Iowa — A fire on Des Moines' east side destroyed a horse barn and left multiple horses dead, according to the Des Moines Fire Department.
DMFD says the cause of the fire is unknown and it is currently under investigation.
Fire crews arrived on the scene at River Oak Ranch around 11:30 p.m. Friday night. According to the DMFD scanner, the fire was first reported by someone passing by.
DMFD and the owner of the ranch told Local 5 multiple horses died in the fire.
The owner says the barn had nine to 10 stables inside, but don't know yet how many horses were inside during the fire.
Firefighters battled the fire for over three hours. DMFD had to bring in extra water tanks because it did not have easy access to fire hydrants nearby.
"We have a fully engulfed barn, looks like the roof is completely gone and most of the walls caved in. We will be defensive as truck 6 stated," according to the DMFD scanner.
Horse owners at the River Oak Ranch say this is a tremendous loss to the farm and their hearts go out to those who lost horses. They say it is a small community that always finds ways to help each other out in any way possible.
The owner of the ranch told Local 5 he hopes to rebuild the barn but doesn't know the next steps for approval with the city.
DMFD says it is not clear what caused the fire, and the investigation could take a while to finish.
