A massive mid-day blaze ripped through a Madison County pig farm near London, Ohio, on Wednesday, collapsing two large barns and leaving the site looking like a total loss. Nearly 20 fire departments swarmed the property as thick smoke poured into the sky and gusty winds pushed flames through the structures. By evening, crews were bracing for a long night on Davis Road, working hot spots and trying to keep the fire from flaring back up.
Officials: Thousands Lost, Hundreds Rescued
The fire was reported around 11:55 a.m. in the 3100 block of Davis Road, triggering a countywide call for help that brought in 19 different fire departments. Central Townships Joint Fire District Chief Brian Bennington said roughly 6,000 pigs were killed, while more than 1,500 animals were rescued. He noted the facility can hold up to 20,000 pigs. Firefighters said high winds made it harder to knock down the flames, and Davis Road was eventually reopened after initial shutdowns, according to WSYX.
Family And Workers Reel
For people tied to the farm, the scene was gutting. Stephanie Ramey, whose husband and son both work at the operation, said she was stunned as she drove toward the smoke and realized the barns were gone. “I was devastated,” she told reporters, adding that she was on the phone with her mother as the scope of the damage came into view. The disaster triggered a large mutual aid response, with crews prioritizing animal rescues and working to keep the flames from jumping to nearby buildings, WSYX reported.
Site Details And Investigation
Local dispatch records list the address as 3180 Davis Road SW and identify the site as Gill Livestock and Land Farms. Officials said the cause of the fire is still under investigation and that there were no immediate reports of human injuries. Crews are expected to remain at the property to monitor and douse lingering hot spots while investigators sort through the rubble to piece together how the fire started, according to the Scioto Valley Guardian.
