BRONSON, MI (WTVB) – Thousands of chickens perished this morning in Branch County when a fire filled a pole barn with smoke in Bronson Township. The blaze was reported around 8:30 at the farm on Hyska Road. 9,300 broiler chickens died out of the 40,000 that were in the barn.
According to Bronson Fire Chief Brent Wilber, the structure where the fire broke out this morning had an LP gas hook up and was the location of a small quick flash fire yesterday that immediately went out. Wilber said apparently, a spark got into the blown insulation where it smoldered and spread overnight. Firemen quickly stopped the spread of the blaze, which was declared under control shortly before 9 am. Wilber said the farm owners and employees were very helpful. Bronson firemen cleared the scene at 10:20 this morning. The Burr Oak Fire Department assisted with one truck and 3 firemen.
Damages were estimated at $20,000 to the structure and $50,000 to the contests.
