Chickens And Sheep Trapped, Killed In Manhattan Barn Fire: Chief

MANHATTAN, IL — No humans were injured but many chickens and a dozen sheep died in a barn fire Friday morning in Manhattan, fire officials said.

Crews were called at 7:11 a.m. to a fully engulfed barn in the 13500 block of Kennedy Road. The first units arrived on scene within eight minutes of the initial call for service, Manhattan Fire Protection District Chief Steve Malone said. Fire crews reported heavy smoke and flames showing from a fully engulfed 50-foot by 50-foot outbuilding with multiple exposures and animals trapped inside the barn.

A full still alarm was activated for additional personnel and equipment. According to officials, firefighters quickly established a rural water supply and immediately began fire attack on the building, as well as rescue efforts for the livestock. The fire was controlled before reaching any nearby structures. The fire was contained and extinguished in 30 minutes, Malone said.

All occupants safely evacuated the building, and no injuries were reported by civilians or firefighters. Despite all efforts, many chickens and a dozen sheep died in the fire, Malone said.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by Manhattan Fire Protection District investigators.

Multiple agencies were on the scene and at the Manhattan Fire Stations to cover any additional calls for service during that time. These include Frankfort Fire Protection District, New Lenox Fire Protection District, East Joliet Fire Protection District, Monee Fire Protection District, Manteno Fire Protection District, Lockport Fire Protection District, Mokena Park Fire Protection District, Orland Fire Protection District, Grant Park Fire Protection District, Beecher Fire Protection District and University Park Fire Protection District.