A FIRE at a poultry farm close to Welshpool has resulted in the death of 16,000 free-range layers.

On the evening of Thursday, 25 March, crews from several fire services attended the blaze, but one shed, measuring 20m by 80m, was “sadly beyond saving”.

Fire services did, however, prevent the fire from spreading to a second shed on the farm, housing another 16,000 birds.

Six pumps and a water bowser made up the equipment used in tackling the fire.

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “On Thursday, 25/03/2021 at 11:26 pm, crews from Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, Llandrindod Wells, Montgomery, Newtown, Llanfyllin and Llanidloes attended a fire at a poultry farm near Llanfair Caereinion.

“The agricultural shed measured 20 meters by 80 meters and contained approximately 16,000 poultry.

“Through the great efforts of the crews, an adjacent building, also containing approximately 16,000 poultry, was undamaged.

“Firefighters sectorised the incident into two sectors and extinguished the fire using two main jets and four high-pressure hose reels.

“Road traffic collision spreaders, small tools and a thermal imaging camera were also used during the incident.

“The Fire Service left the incident at 03:57 am.

“The cause of the fire is undetermined.”