Fire authorities in Simsbury, Connecticut, are investigating the cause of a fire that killed 24 horses residing in a metal barn at an equestrian center near Hartford.

Chief James A. Baldis, of the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company, said crews responded to a call about a barn fire at Folly Farm on the morning of Dec. 28. Twenty-four horses were in the barn at the time of the blaze.

“All 24 horses died from smoke inhalation,” he said.

In a written statement Folly Farm General Manager Alison Patricelli, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, said most of the deceased horses were part of facility’s riding and polo schools