C Barn at Big E reopens after fire, horses safe

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The C Barn at the Big E is open Monday following Friday’s fire that forced the evacuation of nearly 200 horses.

The West Springfield Fire Department received 28 calls about the fire on Friday night,
it resulted in the immediate evacuation of the horses in the barn.

It’s been three days since a fire was put out in the C Barn on the Big E fairgrounds. At the Big E Monday afternoon— the building was open but 22News did not see any horses inside.

22News received a statement from The Big E saying that the C Barn is operational again, including the stall where the fire originated. Normal activities in the Coliseum have resumed and they are grateful for the prompt response of the authorities, and the team, including the exhibitors.

The West Springfield Fire Department confirmed that 161 horses are safe and recovered with minor injuries. Over the weekend, the President and CEO of the Eastern States Exposition Gene Cassidy told 22News that a few of the horses got loose but they were all accounted for. One employee who was involved in the aiding of the horses suffered a broken rib and the other had a broken leg.

According to the State Fire Marshal, the fire was not criminal however, the cause has yet to be determined.

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