photo credit: Sam Charles, Sun-Times Media
(Chicago) A fire that destroyed several carriages at the Noble Horse Theatre on Feb. 6 has been ruled an arson, and the FBI is investigating.
Firefighters responded to the horse stable fire about 1:10 a.m. in the 1400 block of North Sedgwick, according to Fire Media Affairs. The blaze was struck out about 30 minutes later.
A firefighter on the scene said about four horses that were kept in a different part of the building were not exposed to smoke or fire.
More than a half dozen burned horse carriages could be seen outside the theater as firefighters worked to put out the flames.
Officials initially believed the fire to be accidental, but said Monday it has been ruled arson. The investigation has been turned over to the FBI, police said.
FBI spokeswoman Joan Hyde said the agency does not investigate all fires.
“However, it is not uncommon for us to participate in the initial stages of a potential arson investigation with our federal, state and local partners to determine if there is FBI jurisdiction,” Hyde said.
“While I can confirm that we are investigating this matter and coordinating with those law enforcement partners, it is an ongoing investigation and, accordingly, I am not at liberty to provide additional information at this time,” she added.
According to its website, The Noble Horse Theatre stages theatrical performances of plays featuring several breeds of horses and has the capacity for up to 50 horses.
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