An explosion and fire destroyed a chicken barn west of Newton on Thursday, and the fire killed about 20,000 chickens inside.
Newton fire crews were called to the 1400 block of North West Road around 3 p.m. and other fire departments provided tender trucks to help with the water supply. Fire officials said one person was in the barn at the time of the explosion, but that person was not injured.
The entire structure collapsed, and crews established a safe area to protect a propane storage tank. They were planning to the remnants of the structure to burn into the evening and nighttime hours.
A gas leak is believed to be the cause of the explosion.
[ photo: Newton Fire/EMS – Facebook ]
