UPDATE: 19,000 chickens reportedly die in poultry house fire in Willards

A chicken house fire in Willards, reportedly killed 19,000 chickens.

The fire reportedly started around 12:45 PM on Wednesday, at a 450′ x 36′ poultry house, on Powellville Road, near Mt. Pleasant Road. A passerby reportedly called in the blaze.

Forty five firefighters from Powellville, Willards, and Pittsville responded to the two alarm fire. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office says the second alarm was activated for additional water resources only.

We’re told one chicken house is a total loss, with a reported 19,000 two-week-old birds dying in the blaze. No human injuries were reported. Damages are estimated at $320,000.

Investigators say they are still looking into just where the flames started, and what caused the fire.