The fire started at Spital Syke Farm on Orton Road on Sunday 19 March and had six Cumbrian fire crews battling to contain it.

One shed containing nearly 16,000 chickens was completely engulfed by flames and none of the birds inside survived. The shed measured 70 metres by 30 metres and flames could be seen leaping high into the air as the roof of the shed collapsed. However, fire crews managed to stop the fire spreading to a second shed containing a similar number of chickens.

Crews returned to the scene at regular intervals throughout Sunday night to check it was safe.

Residents living in the surrounding area of the city were advised to close their windows as smoke from the blaze drifted westwards.

It was thought unlikely that the birds in the burning shed could be saved

A spokesman for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said the fire crews had focused their efforts on saving the adjacent chicken shed, containing a similar number of chickens. He said it was thought unlikely that the birds in the burning shed could be saved.

The spokesman added that the cause of the fire is under investigation, but there is nothing to suggest it was “untoward”.

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