Barn Fire Kills 19 Horses in Central Kentucky

PERRYVILLE, Ky. – A ferocious, wind-aided fire blew through Brian Chappell's barn in Central Kentucky on Saturday evening; the barn was completely destroyed. John and Eowyn Gregory also lived at the farm and had horses in the barn. Brandy Johnson was fulfilling her lifelong dream of training American Saddlebred horses and had 11 horses in the barn. Brian had two fillies he was working in the barn as well.
 
More than 20 firefighters were on the scene within a few minutes, but the fire was so hot, there wasn't much they could do. High winds fed the fire unmercifully, and all 19 horses were lost. It is believed smoke took their lives prior to the barn collapsing on them.
 
Brian lost 30 years' worth of memorabilia, and all of his equipment accumulated over the same course of time. The tractor his grandfather had was destroyed as well. John, Eowyn and Brandy lost all of their equipment, as well as personal items stored in the barn. The fire consumed everything – halters, lead ropes, tack, training and showing equipment and John's shoeing equipment (he had just re-set a horse the evening prior and left his stuff in the barn).
 
A labrador retriever is missing; barn cats, chickens and pet ducks perished as well.
 
A benefit fund has been established for them. Donations can be sent to:
Farmers National Bank
PO Box 282
Perryville, KY 40468
 
Donations of tack and equipment:
c/o Hart to Hart Stables, Inc
Wyatt & Christine DeHart
5200 Clark Station Road
Finchville, KY 40022

Cards, letters, condolences:
PO Box 436
Perryville, KY 40468
 
The Pyramid Society would like to express their heartfelt condolences to the families impacted by this tragedy.