Published on: June 22, 2026, 09:54h.
Updated on: June 22, 2026, 09:54h.
- The New York State Gaming Commission is examining the necessity for mandatory fire sprinklers and automated suppression systems in all racetrack barns after the tragic fire at Saratoga on June 16, which resulted in the loss of 17 horses.
- Investigations revealed that the wooden barn at Saratoga was not equipped with fire sprinklers or an automated fire suppression system.
- During the ongoing review, regulators are encouraging racetracks to install smoke, fire, and heat detection systems in all barns.
Currently, New York racetracks are not required to have fire sprinklers in their barns. However, this may change after the tragic incident at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) has established a special committee to investigate the need for changes after the devastating fire at Saratoga on June 16. This panel will review all fire safety measures across the state’s 11 racetracks.
“The fire at Saratoga was a heart-wrenching event, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to all those who lost horses. We are undertaking a comprehensive review of existing fire prevention strategies to explore what additional steps can be taken to avert such tragedies in the future,” stated Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer.
The barn that was engulfed in flames on June 16 was a wooden structure lacking fire sprinklers and an automated fire suppression system.
The harness racetrack is part of the Saratoga Casino Hotel, a gaming establishment featuring over 1,200 video lottery terminals. Saratoga is one of eight video lottery casinos in New York, which collectively operate more than 17,000 gaming devices.
Current Regulations for Barn Safety
The New York State Gaming Commission posits that existing laws necessitate that all horse racetrack barns adhere to local building codes, which generally encompass fire prevention and suppression protocols.
“The events of June 16 and other recent occurrences have driven the Commission to consider whether enhanced measures are required to prevent fire outbreaks in barns housing racehorses across the state. The committee, led by Commissioner Martin Mack and including Commissioners Peter Moschetti and Jerry Skurnik, will investigate the details surrounding the June 16 incident and perform a comprehensive review of fire safety strategies,” the NYSGC reported.
The committee will present its conclusions to the full commission upon completion of their review. In the meantime, the gaming commission is urging all racetracks to install smoke, fire, and heat detection systems, as well as fire extinguishers in any barn lacking such safety equipment.
The June 16 Incident
The barn designated for harness horses at Saratoga was not adequately equipped for fire safety.
Sarah Burger, a city supervisor and legal advisor for the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association, informed the press that the barn lacked an automated fire suppression system and fire sprinklers.
In response to the incident, Saratoga Casino made a generous donation of $100,000 to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association to aid horsemen, trainers, staff, and backstretch workers affected by the fire.
“This donation will provide crucial support as they embark on the lengthy recovery process following such an unimaginable event,” remarked Henry Westbrook Jr., the president of the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association. “We sincerely value the immense support from the community, especially this extraordinary contribution from Saratoga Casino Hotel.”