2008 Woodie Awards
Equestrian fire causes $20,000 worth of damage
Tanya Redinbaugh
Issue date: 11/10/05 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
The students and faculty of the Horse Science Technology program were roused from their daily routines at the Equestrian Center last week to discover a horse barn ablaze.
Students discovered the fire in the early afternoon on Nov. 2 and called an instructor who contacted the Cedar Rapids Fire Department.
The CRFD responded quickly and seemingly put the blaze out.
Two hours later, flames were reported again and Equipment Technician Marty Hoy was called to action. Hoy works closely with firefighting training and equipment.
Hoy returned twice more to check the building for further activity. Kirkwood student Kayla Sivertsen guarded the site overnight on Nov. 2.
"The students and [instructor] Trish Ringgold worked very quickly to get
the horses out," said horse technician Nellie Wilson.
Jerry Bolton, dean of agricultural science, said no animals were inside the building at the time of the fire.
Bolton said he is 99 percent sure the fire was not electrical and the culprit was possibly a smoldering cigarette butt. The barn, said to be a total loss, was used in the winter as a shelter for animals and was worth
approximately $20,000.
"Plans are underway [for the building] to be replaced," Bolton said, adding he hopes to have the barn rebuilt by the first of the year in preparation of Iowa's coldest weather.
"We're all happy there weren't any horses or students injured. It was completely accidental and we're ready to move on from there," Bolton said.
Students discovered the fire in the early afternoon on Nov. 2 and called an instructor who contacted the Cedar Rapids Fire Department.
The CRFD responded quickly and seemingly put the blaze out.
Two hours later, flames were reported again and Equipment Technician Marty Hoy was called to action. Hoy works closely with firefighting training and equipment.
Hoy returned twice more to check the building for further activity. Kirkwood student Kayla Sivertsen guarded the site overnight on Nov. 2.
"The students and [instructor] Trish Ringgold worked very quickly to get
the horses out," said horse technician Nellie Wilson.
Jerry Bolton, dean of agricultural science, said no animals were inside the building at the time of the fire.
Bolton said he is 99 percent sure the fire was not electrical and the culprit was possibly a smoldering cigarette butt. The barn, said to be a total loss, was used in the winter as a shelter for animals and was worth
approximately $20,000.
"Plans are underway [for the building] to be replaced," Bolton said, adding he hopes to have the barn rebuilt by the first of the year in preparation of Iowa's coldest weather.
"We're all happy there weren't any horses or students injured. It was completely accidental and we're ready to move on from there," Bolton said.