A huge fire destroyed two buildings, killing 165,000 chickens, Saturday afternoon at Hickman’s Family Farms west of Phoenix.
The family owned and operated farm, which was founded in 1944, is the largest egg company in the U.S. Southwest.
Besides the hens and structures, losses include equipment, food supplies, watering systems, lighting, and computers.
There were no human casualties. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
“We’re devastated,” said the farm’s community outreach manager, Sharma Hickman.
The damages are not expected to significantly affect the egg supply from Hickman’s, which has 24 other chicken houses on site.
