BEECHER, IL – In the wake of a devastating barn fire that claimed the lives of multiple horses, Las Palmas Ranch is now working tirelessly to recover from the tragic incident.
The inferno, which occurred during the morning of May 24th, left the Barraza family in shock and mourning.
As firefighters raced to the scene, the Barraza family with rescuers bravely worked to save their beloved horses from the engulfing flames. However, the ferocious fire, fueled by strong winds, proved too powerful.
“Sadly, many of the precious horses’ lives were lost,” Ruby Barraza said. “Horses they loved and cared for. Horses of which most were expectant mothers along with a mother and her colt who was born only 4 days prior.”
The extent of the devastation goes beyond the loss of precious equine lives. The Barraza family also lost their entire supply of animal food and a variety of invaluable machinery critical to their daily farm operations. Moreover, the barn held cherished memories, having hosted three quinceñeras and a wedding.
Librado Barraza, the owner of Las Palmas Ranch, is well-known for his selflessness and willingness to help others. Now, the community is rallying to support him and his family during this trying time. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been organized by Ruby Barraza, with a goal of $20,000.
As of Wednesday night, the campaign has already garnered $7,600 from 38 generous donations.
Although the emotional wounds caused by this horrific fire cannot be healed, the support from the community can ease the burden faced by the Barraza family. The losses they incurred amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars, while they still have numerous horses under their care, including those injured in the fire. These injured horses require specialized attention and care in the hopes of making a full recovery.
Amidst the tragedy, the Barraza family expressed their gratitude for the community’s outpouring of support. Numerous individuals donated hay bales and horse feed to ensure that the remaining horses are properly cared for and nourished.
The Beecher fire claimed the lives of eight horses, but thanks to the heroic efforts of rescuers, many horses were saved through a makeshift exit cut during the rescue operation.
As the Barraza family works to rebuild their lives and heal their hearts, the Beecher community stands united, offering assistance and solace during this difficult journey.
