Barn Fire Destroys Chicken Barn in Wakefield, Nebraska: Investigation Underway
Authorities are investigating a devastating barn fire that occurred in Wakefield, Nebraska, which resulted in the destruction of a barn full of young chickens. The Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s office was present at the scene and is currently investigating the cause of the fire. Owned by Michael Foods, the Gardner Growers barn complex consisted of 10 barns that raised pullets.
A worker at one of the barns noticed the smoke at around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday and immediately called 911. Firefighters from Wakefield and six neighboring fire departments responded to the emergency, successfully containing the blaze to the single barn located at 58265 862 Road, northwest of Wakefield.
Authorities have yet to determine the number of birds lost in the fire, and the extent of the damage is still being assessed. Pat Malena, Vice President of Farm Operations for Michael Foods, stated that there is currently no estimate on the dollar amount of the damage.
As the investigation continues, Michael Foods is evaluating the possibility of rebuilding the destroyed barn. Notably, Michael Foods also operates egg-laying facilities near Wakefield and an egg processing facility in Wakefield as well.
The incident has raised concerns within the community, as barn fires pose significant risks to both animal welfare and local farmers’ livelihoods. The investigation aims to shed light on the cause of the fire and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
