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1 person hospitalized, 10 horses killed in Colorado barn fire

A caretaker reportedly managed to save four horses before the smoke became too much to handle.
Barn on fire in Colorado.
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One person was hospitalized and numerous horses died after a barn caught fire in Colorado.

The fire happened on Monday morning in Franktown, which is about 30 miles south of Denver. 

One of the caretakers was able to let four horses out of the barn before the smoke became too heavy, Franktown Fire Protection District said. That person was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.  

"We know at least 10 horses passed," FFPD public information officer Kimberly Spuhler told USA Today

The fire was so big, flames and smoke could be seen for miles, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said.

When firefighters arrived at the scene of the fire, crews were able to use rural water supply to contain the fire, the Franktown Fire Protection District stated.

A house on the 35-acre property was saved, according to the Denver Gazette. However, the stable complex and arena are reportedly a complete loss.

"It’s been a long time since we’ve suffered or seen anything like this,” Franktown Fire Chief Dave Woodrick told the Gazette. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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