600-Foot Chicken Barn Engulfed In Franklin County, PA Fire

Mei Lin

4 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

4.8

Share

Details of the Franklin County, PA Chicken Barn Fire

The fire occurred at a poultry farm located approximately two miles east of Chambersburg, PA, near the intersection of Route 11 and Black Gap Road, in Guilford Township. The alarm was raised at approximately 2:17 AM on October 26, 2023. Initial response time was remarkably swift, with the first fire units arriving on the scene within 10 minutes.

• Location: Guilford Township, Franklin County, PA (near Route 11 and Black Gap Road)
• Time of Discovery: 2:17 AM, October 26, 2023
• Estimated Number of Chickens Affected: Preliminary reports suggest approximately 5,000 chickens perished in the blaze. The exact number is still being determined.
• Barn Structure: The barn was described as a long, single-story structure approximately 600 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 20 feet high. Constructed primarily of wood, it housed thousands of laying hens.
• Cause of Fire: The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal's Office.

Emergency Response and Damage Assessment

Multiple agencies responded to the large barn fire, including:

• Guilford Township Fire Department
• Chambersburg Fire Department
• Franklin County Emergency Medical Services
• Pennsylvania State Police

Firefighting efforts were significantly challenged by the sheer size of the barn and the rapidly spreading flames. The remote location also presented difficulties in accessing sufficient water supplies. Tanker trucks were required to continuously shuttle water to the scene.

• Injuries: Thankfully, no injuries were reported among firefighters or other personnel.
• Damage Assessment: The chicken barn was deemed a total loss. Early estimates place the damage in excess of $500,000, encompassing the structure, equipment, and the value of the lost livestock. There was no significant damage to surrounding properties.

Investigation and Potential Causes of the Franklin County Barn Fire

The investigation into the Franklin County barn fire is ongoing. Authorities are exploring several potential causes:

• Electrical Malfunction: Investigators are examining the barn's electrical system for any signs of malfunction or faulty wiring.
• Accidental Ignition: The possibility of an accidental fire, perhaps related to heating equipment or farm machinery, is also being considered.
• Arson: While arson is not currently suspected, all possibilities are being explored thoroughly.

Numerous witnesses have been interviewed, and the scene has been meticulously examined for clues. Following this large agricultural fire, safety recommendations for similar structures include regular electrical inspections, proper storage of flammable materials, and the installation of fire suppression systems.

Impact on the Agricultural Community in Franklin County, PA

The fire has had a significant impact on the farm owner, resulting in substantial financial losses due to the loss of livestock and the destruction of the barn. This Franklin County, PA agricultural fire represents a major setback for the farm's operations.

• Economic Impact: The farm owner faces considerable financial strain, requiring significant resources to rebuild and restock.
• Community Support: The local community has rallied to support the affected farmer through fundraising and volunteer efforts.
• Insurance Implications: The incident highlights the importance of comprehensive farm insurance policies that cover livestock losses and structural damage from fire.

The loss of a large number of laying hens may have a minor, localized impact on the regional egg supply, but it is not anticipated to create widespread shortages.

Conclusion

The massive fire that destroyed the 600-foot chicken barn in Franklin County, PA underscores the devastating consequences of agricultural fires and emphasizes the crucial role of proactive fire safety measures in preventing such tragedies. The investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to update this report as more information becomes available. Stay informed about this developing story and other important Franklin County, PA news by regularly checking our website. Learn more about farm fire safety and prevention strategies to protect your property from similar tragedies. Protecting your farm from fire is crucial; learn more about fire safety in Franklin County, PA today.