A hog confinement building southeast of Boyden was destroyed in a fire on Wednesday evening, resulting in the loss of hundreds of animals.
According to a joint press release from the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office and the Boyden Fire Department, firefighters were called to the scene at 5:13 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4th, to a hog confinement on Kiwi Avenue, about two miles southeast of Boyden.
Boyden Fire Chief Chris Starkenburg says firefighters arrived to find the building fully engulfed in flames, forcing crews to conduct an exterior attack on the structure.
Authorities say the confinement building is considered a total loss, and about 430 pigs were lost in the fire. Officials report no human injuries in the blaze.
Firefighters used approximately 40,000 gallons of water and foam to extinguish the flames. Crews remained on scene for about three and a half hours while working to contain the fire.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Boyden Fire Department was assisted by the Boyden Ambulance, Hospers Fire Department, Sheldon Fire Department, Matlock Fire Department, the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, and Sioux County Emergency Management.
Portions of this story are courtesy of fellow Community First Broadcasting station KIWA Radio
