Arson fire contained in Pimlico barn, all 30 horses are rescued

A single-alarm fire was deliberately set last night at Pimlico Race Course in a barn containing 30 thoroughbred horses, said a city Fire Department arson investigator.

No horses were killed or injured and damage was estimated at $3,000, a track official said.

Track grooms and security officers along with firefighters and police entered the burning barn, adjacent to the 2900 block of W. Belvedere Ave., and rescued 30 horses.

"None of the horses was killed or injured and all were safely led to nearby barns," said Lt. Frank Vranish, of the race course security unit.

Capt. Dennis Howell, of the Fire Department's arson squad, said at least four separate fires were deliberately set in barn No. 10 after someone spread piles of hay and straw on the floor next to stalls containing horses.

The fire, which was reported at 9:32 p.m., was declared under control in less than 30 minutes.

Several track employees were interviewed last night but no arrests were reported.