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Pig farm fire: 4,300 pigs killed in County Armagh arson attack Pig farm fire: 4,300 pigs killed in County Armagh blaze
(about 3 hours later)
Up to 4,300 pigs have been killed in a suspected arson attack at a County Armagh farm, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has said. Up to 4,300 pigs have been killed in a fire at a County Armagh farm, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has said.
Ten NIFRS units were called to the farm on Derrywilligan Road, near Bessbrook village, at 05:40 BST on Saturday. Police said the cause of the fire near Bessbrook was under investigation. The Fire Service had initially said it was being treated as arson.
It took seven hours to deal with the fire and an NIFRS spokeswoman said 800 sows and about 3,500 piglets died. Ten fire units were called to the farm on Derrywilligan Road at 05:40 BST on Saturday.
Firefighters took seven hours to bring the blaze under control.
An NIFRS spokeswoman said 800 sows and about 3,500 piglets died.
However, the BBC understands that the owner estimates the losses to be smaller, at about 2,000 pigs.However, the BBC understands that the owner estimates the losses to be smaller, at about 2,000 pigs.
The blaze also destroyed three sheds at the pig farm.The blaze also destroyed three sheds at the pig farm.
'Very intense' Five fire appliances and an NIFRS command support unit were involved in the operation.
The NIFRS spokeswoman said: "The fire is thought to have been started deliberately."
Five fire appliances and an NIFRS Command Support Unit were involved in the operation.
Crews also brought in water tankers and a hydraulic platform from nearby towns and villages.Crews also brought in water tankers and a hydraulic platform from nearby towns and villages.
The fire, which the NIFRS described as "very intense", was extinguished by 12:46 BST on Saturday.The fire, which the NIFRS described as "very intense", was extinguished by 12:46 BST on Saturday.
An operation to remove dead animals from the property is taking place on Monday. An operation to remove dead animals from the property has been taking place.
The police said the cause of the fire was still under investigation and enquiries were continuing. The police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.