Hundreds Of Chickens Killed After Fire Breaks Out In Fairfield

The incident took place around 4:52 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 360 Mine Hill Road, in Fairfield, when the Fairfield Fire Department received a call from a resident reporting the chicken coop barn fire, said Fairfield Fire Department Assistant Chief Roger Caisse.

Arriving units, led by Lt. Mark Harry, reported heavy smoke and fire coming from a 5,500-square foot two-story barn with fire near an adjacent occupied house, Caisse said.

Firefighters began an aggressive attack on the fire while searching the adjacent house for any occupants.

A lone man was rescued from the home and to safety by firefighters. He was not injured. The family that lived in the main home about 100-feet from the barn fire, were able to safely self-evacuate. They reported a finger laceration during the efforts to release the more than 700 chickens from the burning barn.

AMR paramedics were called to the scene to evaluate all involved.

Caisse said that due to the barn style of the structure, stored fuels, and propane tanks, the fire spread quickly throughout the building, resulting in the collapse of the second floor. Firefighters were unable to enter the building but did attack the blaze from the outside with cooling water to propane tanks to avoid an explosion.

The fire was under control in about 30 minutes.

A total of five engines, two truck companies, and a command car responded to the fire as well personnel from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Fairfield building and health departments responded. Westport and Bridgeport fire department provided mutal aid coverage. 

"The quick actions of the first arriving engine company prevented the loss of life to the occupant who was asleep and unaware of the fire," the chief said. " Fires like this should serve as a reminder about the importance of having working smoke detectors to alert occupants and an established meeting outside in the event of a fire.

No firefighters were injured. The cause of the fire has not been determined.

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