Tioga Downs Arson Suspect in Custody; Several Horses Died in Fire

UPDATE: Authorities have taken a person into custody in connection with a suspected arson fire that killed several racehorses at Tioga Downs in Nichols.

According to New York State Police, the fire investigation determined the blaze "was set as an act of arson."

A news release issued Thursday afternoon indicated the fire "resulted in the death of numerous horses."

The name of the suspect has not been released.

The Tioga County Sheriff's Office reported one person sustained burns as a result of the fire. The name and condition of the injured person was withheld.

Original story:

A fast-moving fire destroyed at least one horse barn at Tioga Downs Casino Resort in the town of Nichols.

The blaze near the racetrack was reported just after 6:30 a.m. Thursday. Multiple reports were received involving a fire that had fully engulfed Barn F.

Several fire departments from Tioga and Bradford counties were sent to the scene.

According to harnesslink.com, several racing horses died in the fire. The industry website reported: "Lee & Kayla Morris have lost their entirely livelihood due to the tragic barn fire. They lost approximately 12+ horses and all of their racing equipment."

The website also indicated other trainers had lost horses and equipment.

A report by myhometowntoday.com indicated one person may have sustained minor facial burns.

The fire was brought under control after about an hour. There was no indication how long the blaze may have been burning before it was reported.

A Tioga Downs official in an online post indicated track employees were working with New York State Police to investigate the fire.

A state police public information officer did not respond immediately to a request for information.

A GoFundMe page was set up to raise money to assist those who were affected by the Tioga Downs fire.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.