Approximately 9,000 turkeys were killed Tuesday night when a barn east of Pelican Rapids burned down.
John Gorton operates the farm and made the emergency call. No people were injured in the fire.
Pelican Rapids and Elizabeth firefighters responded around 8:30 p.m. to a report of a fire at the turkey barn, located at 40565 220th Ave. When they arrived, the barn was completely engulfed in flames, law enforcement reported.
Firefighters worked to contain the blaze, but the 400-by-65-foot building -- and its 9,000 turkeys -- was a total loss.
The turkeys were due to go to market sometime next week, according to the county sheriff's office. Total losses for the barn and the turkeys are estimated at $500,000 to $750,000.
Firefighters were on scene for about four hours.
Arson is not believed to be a factor in the fire. The cause of the fire is not currently known, but Pelican Rapids Fire Chief Trevor Steeves said an electrical issue might be to blame.
The county sheriff's office is conducting its own investigation, sending a detective to the scene today.
A fire marshal may also be summoned.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
