Tragedy Strikes Harvard: Six Horses Perish in Barn Fire

Six Horses Killed in Devastating Barn Fire in Unincorporated Harvard A devastating barn fire in unincorporated Harvard, Illinois, claimed the lives of six horses late Sunday night, September 7, 2025. The fire broke out around 11:58 p.m. on the 19100 block of Crowley Road. A 911 caller reported a barn with animals inside was engulfed in flames. The fire quickly spread from a 50-by-60-foot pole barn to a larger structure nearby. "Since this was in a rural area, there was limited access to water," explained a spokesperson from the Harvard Fire Protection District. "Neighboring departments were called in to assist." Firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze and extinguish hot spots. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The tragic loss of the horses highlights the devastating impact of such events on both animal welfare and the community. The swift response and collaborative efforts of multiple fire departments demonstrated their dedication to both property and animal safety.