The property at 801 North CR 950W, Pierceton, where a hog farming operations structure fire occurred Friday night. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels.

Staff Report

PIERCETON — A fire in Whitley County Friday night, Feb. 26, resulted in the death of approximately 340 hogs.

At about 8 p.m. a structure fire was called out at 801 North CR 950W, Pierceton. The structure was a metal building, approximately 40 feet x 150 feet.

According to Pierceton Fire Department Chief Gordon Baker, the building was used in hog farming operations and had plastic grating above concrete pits, making a safe interior attack difficult for firefigters.

The fire was contained to the east end of the structure and was under control in about an hour.

According to the Beacon website, the owner of the property is Christopher L. Long. 

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. An exact damage estimate is not available at this time, Baker said, but is expected to exceed $100,000. 

Responding fire departments included Pierceton FD, Larwill FD, Sidney FD and South Whitley FD.