6 Expensive Show Horses Die In Dixon Barn Fire

DIXON (CBS13) – It was a tragic start to the weekend for the family that runs Dreamland Farms as they are now dealing with the loss of animal life.

Six of their expensive show horses died in a devastating barn fire overnight Friday. The fire was reported at about 1:30 a.m.

"The folks here are very distraught at the loss of their animals, and I can appreciate that," Dixon Fire Department Chief Aaron McAlister said.

Dreamland Farms opened in 1984 and sits on 60-plus acres.

"This is a fairly sophisticated equestrian operation," McAlister said.

The owner of Dreamland Farms didn't want to go on camera, but tells CBS13 that the fire woke him up. When firefighters arrived, there were no fire hydrants in sight because of the rural farmland.

"The lack of available water in the rural environment is always a challenge for us," McAlister said. "This was a two-alarm fire. In addition to the additional engines and water tender, we did ask for one additional water tender. "

McAlister says each show horse cost $50,000, and with six of them dying, that's $300,000 in animal losses - not to mention another $100,000 in structure damages.

A second barn caught fire but only had minimal damage.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

"Electricity is always a possibility," McAlister said. "Apparently, the electrical work had been recently upgraded at this barn, so it's less likely, but we're taking a look at that."

PG&E did come to the scene Friday morning to look at those power poles that were next to that barn that burned down.