Rideau Carleton paddock fire extinguished

The paddock fire that engulfed harness racing’s Rideau Carleton Raceway paddock for several hours on Wednesday evening (Feb. 15) has been extinguished.

The National Capital Region Harness Horse Association, which has Rideau Carleton under its jurisdiction, first published a photo while reporting that there were no humans or horses believed to be in the building. At 9 p.m., the organization reported that the fire was 80% contained. It also said the test barn and starting car were undamaged.

The Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino Twitter account confirmed at 10:39 p.m. that there were no equine or human injuries and that the situation is under control.

The track’s Racing Manager, Peter Andrusek, provided a statement on Facebook at 11:24 p.m, confirming that the fire was out.

“I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Ottawa Fire Services for their immediate response extinguishing the fire that broke out in our paddock tonight,” he wrote. “I can confirm that no horses or personal were injured. Unfortunately, the paddock sustained substantial damage. Barns A, B & C were not affected and power should be restored by tomorrow morning. Please be advised that only those caring for horses stabled in the back will be permitted access until further notice.

“Over the next days, we shall assess our situation and remain in communication as to the impact this has on our race program.

“God Bless our Fire Fighters.”

Rideau Carleton’s season does not begin until March, but it had been accepting ship-ins for training. Those have now been paused.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink