NICHOLS — A fire broke out in one of the horse stables on the Tioga Downs property at around 7 a.m. on Thursday.
Firefighters from several local departments quickly responded to the Nichols casino to fight the blaze and had it knocked down by 7:45 a.m.
The Nichols Fire Department was in charge of the scene with Waverly-Barton providing mutual aid with a ladder and tanker. Fire departments from Tioga Center, Windham, Litchfield, Athens Borough and Athens Township also responded to the incident.
Multiple firefighters who were on the scene confirmed that a large number of horses were in the barn at the time of the fire.
One person was reportedly transported by Greater Valley EMS with minor facial burns.
Jason Settlemoir, who is the Vice President of Racing at Tioga Downs, posted the following statement on Facebook:
“Worst nightmare. My thoughts and prayers go out to the horses, horsemen and women at Tioga Downs. Details are coming in but are still sketchy at this time. We are working with the New York State Police who are investigating. Once we have more information we will pass it along. Pray for those affected.”
