UPDATED: Horse killed, barn damaged in fire following lightning strike

The owners of Phoenix Farms in Fort Gratiot are grateful an incident that claimed one horse's life and caused significant damage to their stable wasn't worse.

"We're very grateful no one was harmed," said Amy DeLange.

Four fire departments responded to the stable fire at 5093 State Road in Fort Gratiot about 11 p.m. Friday.

DeLange said a 12-year-old quarter horse stallion died after being struck by lightning. She said it is believed that lightning caused the stable fire.

DeLange and her husband have owned the farm since 2001. Her father, Rick Dubay, manages the training and boarding facility that specializes in cutting horses.

DeLange said about 20 horses live at the farm. The farm's arena was saved from the fire, but the stalls, tack rooms and about $15,000 of hay were destroyed.

"It's very significant for us," DeLange said.

She said the surviving horses are being housed in paddocks and it is too early to say if they'll need assistance during the rebuild.

Fort Gratiot fire Capt. Bill Shagena said firefighters from Fort Gratiot, Burtchville, Clyde and Grant townships responded to the blaze.

Shagena said the cause is under investigation, but not deemed suspicious.

No people were injured in the fire.

Firefighters remained on the scene for about six hours.

Firefighters from Port Huron Township stood by the Fort Gratiot fire hall.