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Police investigate Felsted poultry farm fire which killed 13,000 chickens
Sparlings Farm where the fire broke out - Credit: Archant
A fire broke out at a poultry farm in Felsted in the early hours of today (Thursday).
Five fire crews were called to an outbuilding at Sparlings Farm, Braintree Road, which was fully alight when emergency services arrived after receiving a call just after midnight.
About 13,000 chickens died and farm equipment was damaged in the fire.
Officers confirmed the poultry barn had been set alight.
Crews were able to protect surrounding risks but the building itself has been completely destroyed.
As of 8.55am firemen were still at the scene tackling the blaze on. The fire was extinguished by 12.30pm.
Detective inspector Alan Stevens, of Braintree CID, said: “Naturally, the owners are devastated at the loss of a significant part of their business, and at the cruel manner in which their animals died.
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“We are working with the fire service to investigate the cause of the blaze and are appealing for witnesses who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area at around the time of the fire to contact us.”
Assistant divisional officer Darren Fearn, who is part of the team investigating the cause of the blaze, said: “When crews arrived they were faced with a large wooden building which was completely engulfed. Crews did an excellent job in containing the fire and preventing it spreading but it was already too late for all the chickens inside.
“Firefighters remained at the scene throughout the night tackling the fire. We still have crews on scene now turning over and damping down to ensure no hot-spots remain.
“We have launched a joint investigation with the Police to establish the cause of the fire.”
Police are carrying out a forensic investigation.
INFORMATION: Anyone with information should contact Braintree CID on 101.
