Chicken farm fires have been making headlines in recent years, causing concern about the safety of the food supply chain According to the content from Bradley’s Fine Diner, these fires are primarily accidental rather than part of any conspiracy.
The main causes of chicken farm fires include
- Aging infrastructure – Many facilities use decades-old buildings with outdated electrical systems
- Dust and debris – Accumulation of feathers, feed particles, and manure creates highly flammable conditions
- Ventilation issues – Poor airflow contributes to dust buildup and equipment overheating
- Equipment malfunctions – Complex electrical systems for lighting, heating, and feed conveyors can short circuit
- Extreme weather events like lightning strikes
- Employee negligence (improper use of equipment, carelessly discarded cigarettes)
While some social media posts have claimed these fires are deliberate attacks on the food supply, both the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and fact-checking organizations have debunked these conspiracy theories. The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office determined that a January 2024 fire at Feather Crest Farms in Texas was a “noncriminal accident.”
According to NFPA data, there are approximately 930 structure fires annually at livestock facilities. Most result from electrical or heating equipment malfunctions, not arson or sabotage.
To prevent these fires farmers can implement measures such as regular cleaning, modern ventilation systems routine electrical inspections, sprinkler installation, and comprehensive worker training.
Incident Report Kern County Fire Department
WASCO, Calif. | On July 1, 2025, at approximately 2:21 p.m., the Kern County Fire Department responded to a fire at a three-story poultry farm near Highway 46 and Gun Club Road. A large column of smoke was visible from a distance, prompting units en route to request a second alarm. Engine 31 arrived to find the three-story poultry farm fully engulfed in flames, with adjacent structures at risk. On-site representatives confirmed that no chickens were in the affected building and all employees had been safely evacuated and accounted for.
Firefighters adopted a defensive strategy, focusing suppression efforts on protecting unburned structures and containing the fire to the building of origin. Two ladder trucks with elevated streams were deployed to extinguish the remaining flames. This will be an extended incident, as units continue to overhaul the large structure. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is undetermined.
From Jerry Gibson, CEO of Central Valley Eggs:
Central Valley Eggs today experienced a fire in an empty barn on our farm in Wasco.
None of our team members were harmed, and we are thankful for those employees who alerted us to the fire before it could spread.
The fire was contained to that one barn, which had no hens living in it.
The remaining barns at that location were undamaged, and our flocks were safe.
We are grateful for the immediate response by local fire departments and emergency personnel assured that no other barns were involved in the fire, and we thank them for their swift actions.
WHY are Chicken Farms around the U.S. BURNING DOWN? – Waking Up America – Ep 39
FAQ
Why is Tyson shutting down chicken farms?
Over the period, Tyson has closed six chicken processing plants and at least three fresh meats facilities, including a 60-year-old pork plant in Perry, Iowa, after operational and market challenges weighed on earnings.
Why are chickens scalded?
Scalding is done to loosen the feathers prior to plucking, and this process is performed by immersing the birds in warm water or through the use of a newly …
Is it unhealthy to live near a chicken farm?
Chronic airways obstructive disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS), and pigeon breeder’s disease are all associated with prolonged exposure to poultry dust. Simply walking by one of these farms may cause short-term symptoms and problems.