The Red Hill Farm Fire
| You may have seen or read local news reports that on Wednesday, March 11, The Fairfax Hunt suffered a devastating loss. The kennel and barn fire at Red Hill Farm in Leesburg, Virginia, killed three horses and 17 hounds, including a mother and her litter of nine puppies. On Sunday, March 15, The Washington Post carried the story “Fire Devastates Hunt Club.” Even in the midst of this tragedy, there is much to be thankful for. Despite intense heat and flames, Huntsman Kevin Palmer ran to the fire and tore holes in the fence—freeing 55 hounds from certain death. Dozens of firefighters from eight separate jurisdictions responded and battled the blaze. Local veterinarians volunteered on the scene to triage injured hounds, 10 of which went to the animal hospital and are now recovering. Friends and neighbors offered sympathy, leaving flowers in memory of the 20 animals that died. See our In Memoriam page... Founded 80 years ago, The Fairfax Hunt is dedicated to the tradition of equestrian sports in the Virginia countryside. Our hounds are reliable, grateful, and loyal companions for us and our horses. The hounds need our help. We must nurse those burnt by the fire and injured by smoke inhalation back to health, find temporary shelter for all 55 of them, and begin rebuilding the kennels. A number of people have voluntarily made a donation to the care of the hounds and to the cost of replacing the building and equipment. For those so inclined, we would indeed appreciate help. Contributions can also be sent by mail to: The Fairfax Hunt If you would like to donate supplies for the kennel and barn, please e-mail Marge Fowler at mfowler_77@yahoo.com. Thank you very much. Note: Contributions are not tax deductible
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Photos courtesy of Deb Arthur |
A Note of Thanks On behalf of the membership of Virginia’s Fairfax Hunt, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the entire hunting community for their support and encouragement in response to our recent kennel fire tragedy. Countless offers of assistance and statements of support have poured in from across the country. While it’s impossible to cite every club and individual who came forward, we deeply appreciate this heartwarming expression of shared grief and steady resolve. We are determined to rebuild and go forward, and to maintain the good sport and camaraderie for which we are known. Those in our area can support our rebuilding effort and enjoy a day of racing action by attending our point-to-point race at Morven Park, Leesburg, Virginia, on Sunday, April 19. Despite this tragedy, the 32nd running of our races will be held as scheduled. We wish everyone a good off-season and look forward to resuming the chase this fall. Randolph D. Rouse, MFH, Senior Master |
