A significant fire at a farm in the Township of Langley, British Columbia, has resulted in the destruction of two extensive barns and the death of approximately 27,000 chickens. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, with emergency crews receiving the call around 2 a.m.
Deputy Fire Chief Cory Parker from the Township of Langley Fire Department reported that when firefighters arrived at the scene, the blaze was already spreading rapidly. The two barns that were engulfed in flames each measured around 365 meters in length, indicating the scale of the devastation. While the loss of livestock is tragic, firefighters managed to protect a third barn on the property from the flames.
The firefighting response included 10 fire trucks and a team of 30 firefighters who worked diligently to bring the situation under control within approximately five hours. Despite this success, crews continued to work throughout the day to extinguish lingering hot spots and ensure that the fire did not reignite.
As of now, the cause of the fire remains undetermined, emphasizing the need for further investigation to uncover any contributing factors. The quick response from the fire department helped prevent further losses and potential damage to additional structures on the farm.
This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with farming operations, particularly in environments where large numbers of livestock are housed in close quarters. The loss of thousands of chickens will have significant implications for the farm's operations and could pose economic challenges moving forward. Such events serve as a stark reminder of the challenges and dangers that farmers face, reinforcing the importance of fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in agricultural settings.