50°
The blaze broke out at around 5:43 a.m. on Nov. 22 at a commercial chicken house on New Hope Road in Willards, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal.
The 500' x 40' structure, owned by Mark and Brittany Pugh, was completely destroyed.
Passersby reported the fire, which drew 45 firefighters from the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department, who took approximately 30 minutes to bring the flames under control, but the damage was already done.
Officials estimate the loss at $100,000 for the structure and $75,000 for its contents.
Investigators say the chicken house did not have smoke alarms, fire alarms, or a sprinkler system.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though it is believed to have started inside the structure.
Officials noted that the farm had a contract with Amick Farms to raise the chickens, all of which perished in the fire.
No human injuries were reported.
Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Landover and receive free news updates.
