TWO CHICKEN HOUSES LOST

Two chicken houses on Bullard Road were destroyed by fire last Thursday morning. The call came into the 911 center, and firemen were dispatched at 1:25 a.m. The dispatch said flames were showing from one chicken house, and a second chicken house was threatened. First firefighters on scene on 1:36 a.m.

One chicken house was on the ground, said Fire Chief Jarrett Slocumb and the other on fire on the back side with flames coming from the roof. Firefighters battled the blaze, but both buildings were a total loss. The houses were pullet houses belonging to Cal-Maine Foods. About 75,000 chickens were lost in the fire, according to news reports that were verified by a spokesman at Cal-Maine.

The Cal-Maines spokesman said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, and he did not want to discuss it until more information is available. Mr. Slocumb said it did not appear that the fire was intentionally set. Both he and the state fire marshal investigated Thursday morning.

The fire investigator from Cal-Maine’s insurance company will investigate further to determine the actual cause. Jasper County volunteer firefighters also responded to two brush fires Tuesday. Both were controlled burns that got out of control. Units with the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to those as well as four brush fires in Jones County. They issued burn permits in spite of the low humidity and high winds.

Anyone who wants to do outdoor burning is urged to get a permit by calling 1-877-OK2-BURN (877-652-2876) or buy logging on to www.gatrees.org, then by calling the local 911 center at 706-468-4930.