Trainer Suffers Severe Burns In Lilac Fire

SAN DIEGO, CA – A woman who tried to rescue horses at the San Luis Rey Training Center in Bonsall during the Lilac Fire was in a medically induced coma Friday after suffering from severe burns, according to multiple reports.

Martine Bellocq was being treated at the UCSD Medical Center Burn Unit in Hillcrest. Hospital officials declined comment.

Her brother-in-law, Remi Bellocq, said in a social media post that she was in a medically induced coma while doctors treat her for second- and third- degree burns over 50 percent of her body. However, doctors didn't find burns or smoke damage in her lungs or airways, he said.

He said his brother, Pierre Bellocq, is recovering from smoke inhalation suffered in the fire that started Thursday.

The Daily Racing Form reported that Remi and Pierre co-trained six horses at the San Luis Rey Training Center, which was heavily damaged. Three of their horses died despite the Bellocqs' efforts.

Hundreds of other horses were rescued from the facility, but around two dozen were killed, according to multiple reports.

A male horse trainer at San Luis Rey was also among the injured, suffering second- and third-degree burns to his arms and shoulders, the reports said.

By City News Service

AP Photo/Amanda Lee Myers