This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-27185970

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Pig farm fire: 4,300 pigs killed in County Armagh blaze Pig farm fire: Thousands of pigs killed in County Armagh blaze
(about 2 hours later)
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. Thousands of pigs have been killed in a fire at a County Armagh farm.
Police said the cause of the fire near Bessbrook was under investigation. The Fire Service had initially said it was being treated as arson. Police said the cause of the fire near Bessbrook early on Saturday was under investigation.
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 after being called to the farm on Derrywilligan Road at 05:40 BST.
Firefighters took seven hours to bring the blaze under control. Local UUP assembly member Danny Kennedy said it was a "very traumatic loss" for the farm's manager, who told him that about 500 sows and 2,000 piglets died.
An NIFRS spokeswoman said 800 sows and about 3,500 piglets died. "The clear view is that it's down to an electrical fault, but of course investigations are continuing," he said.
However, the BBC understands that the owner estimates the losses to be smaller, at about 2,000 pigs. 'Very intense'
DUP assembly member William Irwin said it was a "terrible incident".
He said he hoped the farmer "would be able to rebuild the units and continue pig production in the area".
The blaze also destroyed three sheds at the pig farm.The blaze also destroyed three sheds at the pig farm.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) had initially said the blaze was being treated as arson.
Five fire appliances and an NIFRS command support unit were involved in the operation.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 has been taking place. An operation to remove dead animals from the property has been taking place on Monday.
The police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.The police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.