Kansas State Fair opens emergency shelter for horses fleeing Hutchinson wildfire

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fairgrounds is providing temporary emergency shelter for horses displaced by a wildfire burning north of Hutchinson, fair officials announced.

The shelter, effective immediately and available until further notice, is open to area residents needing to evacuate their animals.

Horse owners should enter the fairgrounds through Gate 10 and report to the Stalling Office located inside the gate next to the Big Red Barn. There, they will provide contact information and receive stall assignments.

Officials will separate horses based on recent travel history as a biosecurity measure. Animals that have traveled within the past 15 days will be housed in Barn 1, while those that have remained local will be placed in Barns 2 and 3.

The Kansas State Fair will supply water for the horses. Owners should bring their own feed, buckets, halters, medications and any other necessary supplies for their animals' care.

Horse trailers may be parked in the Midway area of the fairgrounds.

For more information, contact the Fair Office at 620-669-3600.