Authorities: 10,000 Chickens Die In Michigan Barn Fire

BRONSON TWP. (WWJ/AP) - Authorities say a barn fire in southern Michigan has killed about 10,000 chickens.

Bronson Township Fire Chief Brent Wilber says sparks from a propane gas hookup caused a flash fire late Tuesday, at the barn in Branch County.

Employees put out the fire, but it apparently smoldered in insulation and spread overnight. It was burning Wednesday morning when fire crews responded.

Officials say smoke and heat killed the birds. No people were injured.

Damage to part of the 600-by-60-foot barn was estimated at $20,000. The chickens that died were valued at $50,000.

About 42,000 chickens were in the barn at the time of the fire.

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