MOUNT ULLA — Fire investigators say a Wednesday night fire at a local farm was caused when a spark ignited dust in the ceiling of the chicken house there. Several fire departments and emergency responded to the Brumley Farm at 10:28 p.m. at 3180 Back Creek Church Road, just outside of Mooresville.
Fire Investigator Deborah Horne said the fire was accidental and started in the ceiling. Horne said there was a spark, possibly from some feeder pulleys and it ignited dust in the ceiling. The fire burned from one end of the ceiling to the other, she said.
Close to 50 chickens succumbed to the smoke, but more than 7,000 were saved. Scott Brumley, owner of the farm, was inside the chicken house at the time.
“Thankfully, he was able to get out, and he ran out and called 911,” Horne said.
The fire was under control within about 15 minutes, Horne said. The chicken house was not destroyed, but it will likely need some repairs.
The quick response of the owner and firefighters meant that fewer chickens died. Of the past poultry fires, owners weren’t able to save as many animals, Horne said.
“We are thankful we didn’t have a farmer losing his entire livelihood,” she said.
The following fire agencies responded: West Rowan Fire, Cleveland Fire, Atwell, Shepherd and Way Side from Iredell County, and the Rowan Rescue Squad and county Fire Marshal’s Office. Perdue, the poultry provider, was also at the scene.
Mark Troublefield, Kevin Dennis and Horne with the Rowan County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the fire.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.