Colorado State University's Equine Reproduction Lab Destroyed In Late-Night Fire, Insurance Will Not Cover Genetic Material (UPDATE)

Colorado State University's Equine Reproduction Lab was caught in a devastating fire Monday night, causing $9-12 million in damages.

UPDATE:

Insurance will not cover the cost of genetic material destroyed in the fire, but breeders who lost frozen embryos, sperm, and eggs have been offered a $1,000 credit for future services by CSU, reports the Associated Press.

The Coloradoan further explains some clients are pursuing a potential class action lawsuit against the university. "Last Friday, CSU sent letters to clients offering a $1,000 credit towards future ERL services to help clients counter the loss and generate a new inventory of frozen semen straws to mitigate the impact of the fire," said CSU spokeswoman Dell Rae Moellenberg to the paper. "In exchange for the credit, if a client accepts it, CSU asks that he or she waive financial claims to CSU..."

EARLIER:

According to the Coloradoan, the Poudre Fire Authority responded to the facility at 1 a.m. Tuesday to find 20-foot high flames shooting through the roof.

No horses or humans were harmed in the fire, though nearby animals were moved to prevent harm from smoke inhalation, says 7News.

Poudre Fire Authority spokesperson told 9News he believes the building could be a total loss. Officials are still investigating the cause of the fire.

The Denver Post states that 28 firefighters were on scene attempting to extinguish the blaze.

CSU's Equine Sciences Program frequently ranks as one the nation's top programs.