Home / Disasters and Accidents / Rigaud Farm Owners Seek Community Help to Rebuild After Devastating Barn Fire
Rigaud Farm Owners Seek Community Help to Rebuild After Devastating Barn Fire
1 Oct, 2025
Summary
- Barn fire destroyed century-old structure, home to 36 animals
- Owners "feel broken" but determined to rebuild before winter
- Farm has long provided refuge and therapy for neglected horses
On September 19th, 2025, a devastating fire ripped through the century-old barn at Les Écuries Martin farm in Rigaud, Quebec, reducing the 26-stall structure to rubble. The blaze forced the evacuation of 36 animals, including dozens of horses, ponies, donkeys, chickens, goats, and pigs.
The owners of the farm, Rachel and her family, are now turning to their community for support as they work to rebuild before the harsh winter sets in. "We feel broken," said Rachel Martin. "We see our tools, our livelihood, our everyday go up in flames. It's hard to imagine that this was once a beautiful barn that took in a lot of animals that needed us."
Les Écuries Martin has long been a refuge for neglected and rescued horses, offering rehabilitation, boarding services, as well as equestrian and zoo therapy for the local community. Now, the owners are hoping their neighbors will rally around them to help restore the farm's vital services. While the property has some shelter in the paddocks, Rachel is worried about how the older horses will cope through the winter without access to a barn.
