After the Fire
Friday, October 2nd , 2009
8:04 AM
Bilyea's Starting To Get Their Farm and Life Back To Normal
For Kathy and Nelson Bilyea, Saturday, April 18th was a day of devastation. On a day they were extremely busy with their spring horse sale, they learned their barn was on fire and left the sale immediately for home. The barn was fully engulfed with horses running everywhere. In the end, thirteen horses died including Nelson's stallion Ginnin Cowboy and Kathy's mare, Bailey.
Now, almost six months later, a new smaller barn has been built, but the property is still in disarray. Initially, the fire department said the cause of the fire was electrical, but after some investigation on Kathy and Nelson's part, they were able to convince authorities to take another look.
Now, almost six months later, a new smaller barn has been built, but the property is still in disarray. Initially, the fire department said the cause of the fire was electrical, but after some investigation on Kathy and Nelson's part, they were able to convince authorities to take another look. Read more...
"Too many things just didn't add up," said Kathy as she explained the details. "The fire was fast and furious and if it wasn't that the local firemen were at the fire house that day for a training session, we would have lost the house and the tack shop".
Consequently, with Nelson and Kathy's persistence, the authorities did re-investigate and ultimately did determine the fire was indeed, arson. Charges have been laid, and now the trial date awaits. The kicker was the person charged was well known to the Bilyea's and in fact, was the person that told them to come home as their barn was on fire.
"We send a heart-felt thank you to all that helped us in our time of need," said Kathy. "Everyone was so helpful in finding temporary homes for our horses, supporting us and even holding a benefit dinner to raise money to help us rebuild".
There is still much work to do, but the pieces are being picked up and slowly the horses are returning home.
Nelson and Kathy will be holding their fall horse sale in Denfield, ON on October 16th and 17th and will also be renting the Wainfleet Auction Centre on October 31st to hold a sale there continuing the last Saturday of the month tradition.
