Provo animal corral catches fire, killing 40 sheep and goats, 4 horses

PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — A Provo family experienced a devastating loss on Friday as one of their animal corrals caught fire, killing around 40 sheep and goats, as well as four horses, according to a GoFundMe launched to help the family.

“As you may have heard, Wilford and Rayanna Puertas woke up Friday morning September 19th to one of their animal corrals on fire,” said Shana Sterzik, sister of Rayanna Puertas. “By the time they got to the fire, it was too late to save very many of their animals.”

The family lost around 40 sheep and goats, as well as four horses — one of whom was pregnant.

“Aside from the trauma of not being able to do more, the financial loss is intense,” Sterzik said. “We are starting this go fund me to help them rebuild. Please consider donating even a very small amount if you are able.”

Dispatch received the call just before 7 a.m. on Friday. Provo Fire responded and, despite the loss of animals, were able to put the fire out quickly with no harm to firefighters or civilians.

The incident currently under investigation and no cause has been determined at this time.