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Batavia Downs Gaming has installed new fire safety equipment in its 11 harness racing barns after a New York State Gaming Commission directive issued following the June 16 Saratoga Harness Track fire that killed 17 horses.
Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. President and CEO Byron Brown said the property added 88 smoke detectors and 39 fire extinguishers in the paddock area before horses arrived for the current race season. Brown also said two security guards patrol the barn area at all times when horses are present, the barns are under 24/7 video surveillance, and a security radio was moved to the barn area so staff can quickly contact Genesee County sheriffs if needed.
The commission issued a bulletin on July 1 ordering tracks to install smoke, fire and heat detectors and fire extinguishers in each barn and to ensure appropriate staffing to respond to alarms. In its report, the commission said Batavia Downs officials had not initially provided clear immediate plans for alarm-device installation and instead focused on barriers to larger infrastructure changes. The regulator said it then directed Batavia Downs to use stop-gap human monitoring protocols.
Chief Operating Officer Scott Kiedrowski said the paddock area is inspected regularly by City of Batavia fire personnel and that the facility is meeting code requirements.
Batavia Downs officials are also considering larger upgrades, including an alarm system, a sprinklerized system, a building to house new equipment, and an 8-inch water line serving the 11 barns. According to the report, those possible improvements, including electrical work, could approach $5 million.
For racing fans and other Batavia Downs visitors, the immediate change is behind the scenes rather than on the gaming floor. The bigger question is whether the Gaming Commission will require additional fire suppression equipment beyond the steps already taken.
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Source: As reported by news.google.com.
