Horse Survives, 8 Goats Die In Barn Blaze: Aurora FD

AURORA, IL — A horse was rescued Friday morning from a burning barn in the 1600 block of Sheffer Road, according to the Aurora Fire Department.

Firefighters responded to the structure fire at 6:50 a.m., finding a pole barn on fire. Eight goats did not survive the blaze, officials said.

The initial response included 12 personnel in the form of two engines, one truck, one medic unit and one chief officers. Firefighters deployed an attack line to suppress the fire, but due to the large amounts of hay and tires, extensive overhaul operations were required to fully extinguish the smoldering materials.

To help the horse, who was struggling from smoke inhalation, crews administered emergency oxygen.

"After a tense moment, the animal regained its strength, stood up, and walked out of the barn on its own," spokesperson Jim Levicki wrote in a news release.

No civilians or firefighters were injured.

The structure was deemed uninhabitable after the fire, which remains under investigation.

"The quick actions of our firefighters not only stopped the fire from spreading but also saved the life of an animal in distress," Fire Chief David McCabe said in a statement. "Fires in barns and agricultural structures present unique challenges, and this incident underscores the importance of fast, effective intervention."