Yesterday evening, a devastating fire engulfed Feather Crest Farms in Bryan, Texas. Local authorities told KBTX News that the fire could take several days to completely extinguish.
The chicken farm is located in northeast Brazos County but fire departments from Robertson and Madison rushed to the site to provide additional backup due to its severity. Multiple local news stations provided live coverage of the fire where you can see plumes of smoke billowing into the night sky.
Shockingly, even residents several counties away, including Limestone County, could see the distant smoke. The farm is surrounded by rural neighborhoods which makes the already tragic incident even more significant.
KAGS News reported that the buildings at stake are metal structures, making the possibility of entering the premises too dangerous for firefighters. Fortunately, no one has been injured and the farm only lost a few chickens out of the thousands there.
Feather Crest Farms CEO Sam Krouse told 25 News, “We are thankful for the swift actions of our entire team and that they are all safe. We also deeply appreciate the first responders who reached the farm quickly and helped prevent further damage.”
The Brazos County Sheriff’s Department is still urging local residents to avoid the area and not pull over to take photographs and videos. Sheriff Wayne Dicky also said that Highway 21 would remain open for the time being. The fire is not contained but the slow winds have helped prevent it from spreading to surrounding areas. There is also no information released on what could have started the fire.
Here’s a better look at the structure on fire at Feather Crest Farms out near Kurten along Highway 21. Ongoing coverage now online at KBTX website and on-air now. No word on how it started or if anyone is hurt.
📸: Emilee Justin pic.twitter.com/FNy9zWLUKg— 🚨 Rusty Surette 🚨 (@KBTXRusty) January 30, 2024
Bryan Texas Utilities released a statement on X stating that “System operators must take approximately 140 customers out of service so firefighters can safely respond.” Firefighters are currently transferring water from the nearby rural areas which has resulted in low water pressure as well. The hashtag “#BTUAlerts” is being attached to many social media posts and locals can refer to the hashtag for updates on the fire’s containment.
Feather Crest Farms is one of six farms in the United States owned by MPS Egg Farms. With just 600 members, the farms care for over 11 million hens. A spokesperson from Feather Crest Farms plans to make an updated announcement later this week.