WINONA, Minn. – An agent from the state fire marshal gas been probing ruins at the Minnesota Equestrian Center. The job is to determine what started the fire that caused millions of dollars in damage. Jessica Rivers, the center’s owner, who arrived about 15 minutes after the fire erupted, suspects a space heater in rhe front barn. It was in that area of the massive complex that two horses were trapped in their stalls and died, as also did a cat. Staff released 13 horses in distant sections of the complex in time to get away.
Flattened, blackened. Gone are front portal for visitors, resident manager’s quarters, offices, front stables, storage areas.
State investigative team
Fire marshal. Daniel Krier. State fire marshal since 2023. Earlier an environmental analyst.
Chief deputy. Amanda Swenson. Job: Enforce fire codes. Inspector since 2014.
Chief deputy. Tate Mills is liaison with fire departments. Inspector since 2016.