Community Mourns Fire Victims

Investigators from the State Fire Marshal's office have ruled out criminal intent in a barn fire in Lebanon that killed two people and 43 horses.

Positive identification of the two male victims had not been made as of Saturday afternoon. Horse owners said the two victims worked in the barns and had been living in the area of the barn where the fire started. Owners also said the two were using a spaceheater. Fairgrounds officials said people are not allowed to live in the barns.

Fire Marshal spokesperson Shane Cartmill said "We have heard of that happening. We will have to look into that." The victim's identities remain unconfirmed by officials working the case.

Right now investigators list the cause of the fire as undetermined.

The fire also destroyed thousands of dollars worth of equipment and much more for owners.

Horse owner Steve Rosenbaum said "You have to treat horses as a business, but you can love and respect them. If they are gone, it's tough."

The fire was reported around 5 a.m. Saturday morning in Barn 16. Investigators said the fire started in the northwest corner of the barn.

SLIDESHOW: Lebanon Raceway Barn Fire

Authorities said a passer-by saw smoke coming from the barn and called for help. When firefighters arrived, they found the barn engulfed in flames. Fire officials said the roof collapsed on the barn.

Fire officials said the barn had the capacity to hold 80 horses, but it was not filled. Original information provided to investigators indicated as many as 65 horses died in the fire.

Fire officials said they managed to keep the flames from spreading to other nearby barns. Ten mutual aid fire companies assisted the Lebanon Fire Department in putting the fire out.

The Saturday races at the raceway were canceled. However, a horse parade in Lebanon went on as planned.