A devastating fire tore through a Maryland chicken coop early Friday morning, killing approximately 20,000 chickens, officials announced.
The blaze broke out at around 5:43 a.m. on Nov. 22 at a commercial chicken house on New Hope Road in Willards, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal.
The 500′ x 40′ structure, owned by Mark and Brittany Pugh, was completely destroyed.
Passersby reported the fire, which drew 45 firefighters from the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department, who took approximately 30 minutes to bring the flames under control, but the damage was already done.
Officials estimate the loss at $100,000 for the structure and $75,000 for its contents.
Investigators say the chicken house did not have smoke alarms, fire alarms, or a sprinkler system.
Very sad!!!!!!!!!!!!!