Chicken House Fire
June 23, 2005
Click picture to enlarge
Photos by Dan Ross
Courtesy of Iowa Information

On June 23, 2005 at approximately 7:30 PM the Boyden Fire, Ambulance and Rescue personnel were dispatched to Structure Fire Southeast of Boyden. This structure is one of three chicken houses that are connected by walkways on one end. Each building contains approximately 120,000 chickens. Upon arrival an approximately 100' x 500' building was fully involved with a second building beginning to show flames. By the time lines and equipment was set-up the second building was fully involved. A tractor and loader was used to break down the walkway to the third building.

Mutual aid was received by fire departments from Hospers, Sheldon, Matlock, Orange City, Alton and Sioux Center. Boyden Ambulance received medical assistance from Matlock 1st Responders and Sioux Center Ambulance Rehab Response Trailer.

 Investigation by the Iowa State Fire Marshal is continuing and is currently undetermined.