N.H. Barn Fire Claims Fish Farm, Livestock

Jan. 08--NEWBURY -- Firefighters from eight towns were able to douse a fast-moving barn fire at a working farm on Sunday, but not before it claimed the lives of chickens, piglets and fish.

The fire at Hopewell Farms on South Road broke out late morning and quickly rose to three alarms, fanned by strong winds and fueled by hay and other combustible material.

Fire companies from Newbury, Bradford, Weare and five other area towns responded to the fire.

"It was a good team effort," Newbury Fire Chief Henry E. Thomas said. "Talk about mutual aid, there's no way one town on its own could have handled a fire like this without a lot of help."

Firefighters were able to keep the fire from reaching the family home, which is near the barn. About half of the barn was consumed in the fire.

Thomas estimated the damage would exceed $250,000 because of lost equipment and livestock.

The Moran family, who own and operate Hopewell Farms, grow organic produce and raise goats, chickens and other livestock. Most uniquely, they raise Tilapia fish -- the first such fish farm in New Hampshire, according to its website.

The heat from the fire rendered the fish tanks a "total loss," and chickens and piglets also perished in the fire, according to Thomas.

Still, the Moran family acknowledged it could have been a lot worse.

"Thank goodness the firefighters were there," said Matthew Moran, 14. "They worked incredibly quickly. We're extremely grateful to them."

The family includes his parents Marc and Meredith and two siblings.

Firefighters were on the scene of the fire until early Sunday evening, to make sure all hot spots in the barn were extinguished.

The state fire marshal is set to examine the site on Monday. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is not considered suspicious.

Copyright 2012 - The New Hampshire Union Leader, Manchester