Published: July 03, 2008 11:02 pm         

Authorities still investigating blaze that killed Organ Cave farm turkeys

ORGAN CAVE — State Fire marshals Thursday continued gathering evidence, looking for the cause of a blaze that killed hundreds of turkeys at a breeding facility in Greenbrier County.

Assistant state fire marshal Scott Rodes confirmed there was a “pending investigation” into the fire at the Organ Cave facility owned by Alabama-based Aviagen Turkeys, the world’s largest breeder of turkeys. However, he would not comment on a potential cause.

Rodes, who was at the scene of the fire that destroyed a 10,000 square-foot building early Wed-nesday morning, said assistant fire marshal Jeff Armentrout was appointed as the lead investigator.

Aviagen marketing and administrating director Sandi Hofmann said Thursday the birds were taken to the county landfill and “disposed of properly.”

Hofmann said a passerby noticed the fire about 2 a.m. Wednesday and called 911. The facility included showers for employees, equipment storage, egg holding rooms and a large tom barn, Hofmann said.

“We would rather not specify the number of birds or eggs in the building that was destroyed,” Hofmann said. “Thankfully, there were no employees on the site at the time and there have been no injuries as the result of the fire. There are typically 11 people that work there.”

While Aviagen officials declined to say how many turkeys were killed, Ronceverte Fire Chief Jody Campbell said Wednesday the number was more than 1,000.

Hofmann said water and electricity has been restored to the remaining three buildings at the site, however, 10,000 hens may have to be relocated to one of the 22 other sites the company operates in Greenbrier County. The fire destroyed the building where employees shower before handling the birds, which are very susceptible to disease, she said.

Hofmann said Aviagen Vice President of Operations Al Stephens and Director of Poultry Health Dr. Bob Edson were at the scene of the fire Wednesday and Thursday.

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