55 Chickens Dead After Garage Fire on River Street

A fire inside a River Street garage early Monday has left 55 chickens dead and caused severe damage to the detached structure located adjacent to a residential home.

Fire officials said the chickens, 30 of which were baby chicks, had been inside the detached garage at 192 River St. when a fire erupted just before 6 a.m. Although firefighters were able to quickly contain flames in the garage, they were unable to rescue the animals that had been trapped inside.

The fire had started in the back of the garage and heavy flames were showing from inside the structure when firefighters first arrived said Southington Fire Capt. Alan Zygmunt.

“There was a moderate explosion shortly after firefighters arrived,” Zygmunt said. “No one suffered any injuries in it, but it’s certainly a wake up call when something like that happens.”

The homeowner, Piotr Zajac, was home at the time, but could not be reached for comment.

Fire officials said the flames were contained to the garage, which lies several dozen feet from the house, and the flames did not cause any damage to the home.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, fire officials said.