Dozens of chickens and birds are dead after a fire completely engulfed and destroyed a barn near Woodstock early Saturday morning, fire officials said.
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District responded around 12:42 a.m. Saturday to the 9100 block of McConnell Road in unincorporated Woodstock for a report of a structure fire.
Firefighters arrived on the scene in 11 minutes to find a working barn fire, according to Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Communication Specialist Alex Vucha.
Heavy smoke and flames were showing from the barn, which was located on the rear of the property.
Firefighters pulled hose lines and began defensive operations on the fully engulfed barn, Vucha said.
Rural water supply operations were initiated because the barn is in an area without fire hydrants.
Vucha said a small garage attached to the northern side of the barn was completely destroyed in the fire.
The main barn, approximately 35 feet by 40 feet, sustained heavy fire damage throughout.
The barn was used to house dozens of chickens and various birds. Nearly all died in the fire, Vucha said.
The fire was considered under control in just over 20 minutes.
Overhaul, cleanup and investigation operations continued for an additional two hours.
No injuries were reported to any firefighters or civilians, Vucha said.
McConnell Road was closed in both directions during the incident.
The fire is not believed to be suspicious in nature but remains under investigation by the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District.