Fire officials in Haddam, Conn., blame lightning for a fire that consumed a barn and resulted in the death of a horse on August 1.

Haddam Volunteer Fire Company Public Information Liaison Bob Norton said firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at 6:55 p.m. Monday. Upon arrival, they discovered a barn fully engulfed by flames.

Two horses residing in the barn when the blaze broke out had been relocated to a nearby field before fire crews arrived. One horse was unhurt in the incident. The other, a 10-year-old Quarter Horse, sustained severe injuries and was euthanized at the scene by a veterinarian.

The animals’ owner received minor burns to his arm and head while removing the horses from the barn. He refused medical treatment, Norton said