Workers, horses safely evacuated from fire at Phoenix racetrack

PHOENIX – An early morning fire at Turf Paradise racetrack forced the evacuation of staff and horses Wednesday, Phoenix first responders said.

No workers or animals were injured.

Mike Scerbo, a spokesman for the track near 15th Avenue and Bell Road, told KTAR News 92.3 FM the fire started around 2 a.m. in an equipment room in the stables. Staff tried to put out the flames, but couldn’t.

The fire department arrived shortly after.

Capt. Kenny Overton said in an email blaze was put out quickly despite the long distance from a hydrant.

The burned area included living quarters that were attached to the stables.

“It’s one building at a massive facility,” Scerbo said, adding as many as 2,000 horses can be stabled at the site during the season.

NEW: A fire broke out at Turf Paradise overnight at a horse stable with living quarters attached. Crews were challenged due to distance from a fire hydrant, but were able to put out the blaze. Phoenix Fire says no people or animals were injured. #abc15 pic.twitter.com/95Lm9mHed7

— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) November 28, 2018

Investigators were sill determining the cause, Scerbo said.

No other details were immediately available.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Madison Spence contributed to this report.

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