NEW PLYMOUTH, ID – A large barn fire on Sunday morning claimed the lives of 28 horses, according to the New Plymouth Fire Protection District.

Firefighters responded to the fire on Little Road near New Plymouth, northwest of Boise, at 6:44 a.m., reporting heavy flames throughout the building. Multiple departments, including Sand Hollow, Fruitland, Gem County #1, Parma, Nyssa, and Payette, assisted in bringing the fire under control.

Despite the efforts of crews, all 28 horses inside the barn perished. Two employees were treated for smoke inhalation and transported by Payette County Paramedics. No firefighters were injured during the response.

The Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire. Fire crews remained on the scene Sunday to ensure the blaze was fully extinguished and to assist with the investigation.