SEAGROVE, N.C. — A devastating fire at Callicutt Stables in Seagrove on Sunday afternoon left dozens of horses dead and a large barn destroyed, according to Randolph County Emergency Services.
Firefighters responded around 12:48 p.m. to a reported barn fire in the 8700 block of South N.C. 220, near Seagrove Family Restaurant. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy flames engulfing a 15,000-square-foot barn.
Officials said 36 of the 43 horses boarded inside the barn died in the fire. The structure was declared a total loss. No human injuries were reported.
Witnesses described a chaotic and heartbreaking scene as horses ran into nearby areas in distress while emergency crews worked to contain the blaze. Firefighters remained on scene for approximately five hours battling the fire.
Sara Andrews, owner of Seagrove Family Restaurant, said the destruction was overwhelming.
“One day it’s a big beautiful barn that’s been here for almost seven years, and then you walk up, and it’s just ashes,” Andrews said.
“It was so unimaginable what was happening. My heart was breaking for the Calicutt family and all the families that have their horses in the stables down here.”
She added that she often admired the horses from her restaurant.
“It’s just heart-wrenching. I always loved standing at the back window in the kitchen and seeing the horses with their heads out the stable windows. It looked just like a painting.”
The owner of Callicutt Stables declined to comment. Community members gathered to offer support and condolences to the families affected.
The Randolph County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire. No further details have been released at this time.
Connect With Us