Gaming Commission to overview fireplace prevention in any respect state racetrack barns

NEW YORK STATE (WRGB) — Following the tragic fireplace that killed 17 horses at Saratoga Casino Hotel on June 16, 2026, a New York State Gaming Commission panel is reviewing the circumstances of the hearth and all fireplace prevention and suppression infrastructure at horse barns on the 11 racetracks positioned in New York State.

“The fire at Saratoga was a terrible tragedy, and we offer our deepest condolences to the connections of the horses that were lost,” stated Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer. “We are conducting an immediate, top-to-bottom review of fire prevention methods currently in place at barns and determining what more can be done to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring.”

Currently, the Commission mandates that each one constructions on the grounds of a racetrack adjust to their host locality’s constructing codes, which embrace fireplace prevention and suppression measures. The Commission requires every monitor present proof of such compliance as a part of their annual monitor license software. The horse barns at tracks operated by The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) – Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park, and Aqueduct – are geared up with fireplace prevention and suppression measures.

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The June 16 fireplace and different latest incidents have prompted the Commission to contemplate whether or not extra targeted motion is important to forestall fires in barns that home racehorses throughout the state. The panel, led by Commissioner Martin Mack and together with Commissioners Peter Moschetti and Jerry Skurnik, will study the circumstances of the June 16 fireplace and conduct a systemic overview of fireplace prevention strategies. The panel will report its findings to the total Commission upon completion.

In the interim, the Commission strongly urges that each one tracks be sure that smoke, fireplace and warmth detectors and fireplace extinguishers are put in in every barn that doesn’t but have such tools – as quickly as attainable.