4 Horses Die, 1 Rescued In Beecher Barn Fire: Chief

BEECHER, IL — Four horses died and one was rescued during a massive barn fire in Beecher Sunday afternoon, fire officials said.

The Beecher Fire Protection District was called just after 3:30 p.m. to a structure fire in the 1600 block of E. Eagle Lake Road. With reports of animals still inside the building, the fire district escalated to a full-still alarm prior to arriving at the scene.

First responders on-scene within 8 minutes of the call found a large barn with heavy fire. A MABAS Box Alarm called in additional resources to fight the blaze.

The fire was posing a threat to buildings to the east and north sides of it, Fire Chief Joseph Falaschetti said, and the attack went defensive. With the closest fire hydrant approximately 2.5 miles away, a rural water supply operation was established, and a water shuttle deployed, he said.

"Crews deployed several hose lines, portable master streams and performed extensive overhaul to extinguish the fire," Falaschetti said in a release.

A total of eight engine companies, two truck/tower ladders, nine tenders, two ambulances and nine chief officers worked the fire.

Two residents were evaluated for smoke inhalation at the scene. Homeowners helped first responders rescue one horse and two dogs from inside the barn.

The origin and cause of the fire are currently under investigation by the MABAS 27/24 Origin and Cause Team. Falaschetti said it was ruled accidental in nature. Damage estimates were not available as of Monday afternoon.

The Beecher Fire Protection District was supported both at the scene and in backup staffing at the station by the fire districts from Manhattan, Crete, Grant Park, University Park, Monee, Momence, Manteno and Frankfort, along with crews from Sauk Village, South Chicago Heights, Lowell, Park Forest, Steger, Matteson, Richton Park, Dyer, Lake Dalecarlia, Lynwood, Glewnood and Tinley Park fire departments. Washington Township Highway Department and the Will County Sheriff's Office also assisted.