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Pig farm fire: Thousands of pigs killed in County Armagh blaze Pig farm fire: Thousands of pigs killed in County Armagh blaze
(about 3 hours later)
Thousands of pigs have been killed in a fire at a County Armagh farm.Thousands of pigs have been killed in a fire at a County Armagh farm.
Police said the cause of the fire near Bessbrook early on Saturday was under investigation. The Fire Service initially said the blaze near Bessbrook on Saturday was thought to be arson, but later said it was probably accidental.
Firefighters took seven hours to bring the blaze under control after being called to the farm on Derrywilligan Road at 05:40 BST. Firefighters were called at 05:40 BST and took seven hours to bring the blaze under control at Derrywilligan Road.
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.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.
"The clear view is that it's down to an electrical fault, but of course investigations are continuing," he said."The clear view is that it's down to an electrical fault, but of course investigations are continuing," he said.
'Very intense''Very intense'
DUP assembly member William Irwin said it was a "terrible incident".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".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 a command support unit were involved in the operation to bring the blaze under control, while crews also brought in water tankers and a hydraulic platform from nearby towns and villages.
Five fire appliances and an NIFRS command support unit were involved in the operation. The blaze, which the Fire Service described as "very intense", was extinguished by 12:45 BST on Saturday.
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.
An operation to remove dead animals from the property has been taking place on Monday.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. Investigations are continuing to establish what caused the fire.