PAGE COUNTY, VA. – The Stanley Volunteer Fire Department responded to a poultry house fire on March 27 that contained 15,500 chickens.

Terry Pettit, the fire chief for Stanley, reported that when firefighters arrived, the middle of the building was on fire and spreading toward the ends.

The fire caused about $500,000 in damage, based on initial estimates. No injuries were reported at the scene and the building is insured.

According to a Facebook post, the poultry house was owned by Gary Cubbage of Stanley who raises birds for Shenandoah Valley Organic (Farmer Focus).

Pettit added that the cause of the fire is unknown, but noted it appeared to have started in the area where gas entered the building.

It took the fire department 30 minutes to bring the fire under control. Six units and 16 firefighters responded to the call.