Mule, horse killed during North Codorus Twp. barn fire

One horse and one mule were killed during a barn fire early Saturday morning, according to North Codorus Township Fire chief Andy Martin. 

The mule, Sam, was nine-years old. The horse, Angelo, was 19. 

Owners Brian and Lisa Anderson did have insurance, but said there was a lot of equipment and feed lost in the burn. 

The barn housed the family's tractor, horse feed, hay and accessories. It's estimated to be built in the early 1900s.

Crews responded to the fire on Ambau Road, near York Road, around 1:45 a.m., Martin said. Eleven fire companies worked for over an hour to put out the blaze. 

Aside from fighting with the frigid temperatures, Martin said the only other issue firefighters dealt with was water supply, using water from a nearby pond. 

Lisa said that usually all the horses and mules go in at night, but last night in particular, she decided to let the animals roam. 

The family fosters some horses and others are from private rescues. 

The building was a total loss and the cause of the fire is still being investigated. 

Denise Parsons, president of Gaited Advocate Intervention Team, Inc. 501c3, started a private fund and has raised more than $2,000 for the Andersons, who help out with fostering horses for the non-profit. The fund to donate will be taken down at $3,000. 

The fund will help buy feed, hay and supplies. The group is also asking for donations of of supplies like grooming supplies, buckets and tubs.