Old horse stable fire 'suspicious'

UPDATE @ 3:55 p.m.

The fire has been ruled an arson, according to Huber Heights Fire Chief Mark Ashworth.

The horse stables, measuring 200 feet long and 100 feet wide, was deemed a total loss.

Ashworth said there wasn't a nearby source for water and firefighters would have carried the water in.

He said the building was allowed to burn because it was the safest option.

The property owners told the fire crews the building wasn't insured.

Police are following leads on a few potential suspects, Ashworth said.

UPDATE @ 9:20 p.m.: A fire that destroyed an abandoned horse stable is suspicious, fire officials say.

Crews were called around 6:30 p.m. for a large grass and brush fire in the 5400 block of Chambersburg Road, said Battalion Chief Michael Muhl of the Huber Heights Fire Division.

Firefighters soon discovered a large stable, about 200 feet by 100 feet, that was engulfed.

"The fire was started in the stable," Muhl said. "The fire is suspicious."

An indoor riding arena located in a separate building was undamaged, he said.

There were no injuries, and firefighters from Vandalia, Butler Twp. and Dayton also responded to the scene, which was cleared around 8:45 p.m.

The fire remains under investigation.

FIRST REPORT

Heavy traffic is making it difficult for fire crews to respond to horse stables on fire, officials say.

The fire was reported around 6:30 p.m. at horse stables in the 5400 block of Chambersburg Road.

According to dispatchers, the stable was believed to be an old and abandoned barn.

Witnesses said large amounts of smoke could be seen for miles in the area.

We are on the way and will update this report as we get details.