Tioga Downs: One arrested, numerous horses dead in barn fire

Officials with the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation announced tonight that Boyd H. Fenton, 32, of Athens, Pennsylvania, is the name of the person arrested in connection to the barn fire this morning at Tioga Downs.

In a release, the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation said that over two dozen racehorses died in the fire.

According to the same release, "Fenton has been charged with:

Arson in the third degree, class "C" felony
Burglary in the third degree, class "D" felony
Criminal Mischief in the second, class "D" felony
Assault in the second degree, class "D" felony

An investigation revealed that Fenton entered the barn and intentionally set a fire, causing thousands of dollars' worth of damage.

One person who entered the burning barn in an attempt to save horses suffered second degree burns and was transported to Robert Packer Hospital for treatment.

Fenton was arraigned before a judge this afternoon and remanded to the Tioga County Correctional Facility.

Troopers on scene were assisted by Nichols Fire and multiple mutual aid agencies including: Tioga Center Fire Dept, Waverly-Barton Fire Dept, Pennsylvania Fire Departments including Wyndham Township, Athens Fire and Athens Borough Fire, Greater Valley EMS, Bradford County Rehab trailer. Other responding and assisting agencies include Tioga County Emergency Services, Tioga County Fire Investigation, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and New York State Police.

The investigation is ongoing.

The New York State Police would like to offer condolences to affected individuals and families that lost their beloved animals during this tragic incident."

The harness racing community has set up a Gofundme page to support the horsepeople affected by the fire. It can be accessed via this link.