Community Comes Together After Barn Fire Kills Horses

SOUTH PARK TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- Two weeks ago the Quest Stables in South Park were engulfed in flames before burning to the ground. The fire dealt a devastating blow to the community. Seven of the nine horses inside perished and a number of smaller animals also died.

"I was one of the first ones on the scene that day I saw through the emergency my intention was to go back and help it'was already engulfed and I just felt heartbroken," said Jennifer Wright, a friend of the barn owner.

All that's left is a pile of charred wood where the barn once stood. But if friends and family have their way, Quest Stables will one day rebuild. Sunday, a spaghetti dinner was held at Peace Lutheran Church in McMurray to raise money for owner Renee Karoly. Wright says her friend has insurance but it's not enough.

"They didn't cover the removal of the animals, she's put money for the cleanup, and insurance seems to be dragging it's feet," she said.

But the community is responding. Isabella Klee presented Karoly with a message board with the names of well wishers and pictures of some of the animals who died. She also collected $500 in donations from the community.

"A lot of people donated and most of them donated a lot of money and I thought it was very nice to give most of their heart to this very tragic disaster," Klee said.

Others in the horse community came to the dinner to show their support.

"Having a barn fire is every horse person's worst nightmare it could happen to anybody and we have to stick together as a community."

Denise Macklen says it was heavy emotional loss because the owner cared for rescued animals.

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