DUKE CENTER — No one was injured but several baby chicks died in an early morning garage fire Monday in Duke Center.
Firefighters were dispatched about 4:50 a.m. Monday to 25 Sweitzer Drive, said Otto Township Fire Chief Brian Nichols. In addition to Otto Township, the Eldred Township and Eldred Borough fire departments assisted on scene.
“It was fully involved when we got there,” Nichols said of the blaze, explaining the garage was a total loss. “It was pretty much gone by the time we got there.”
Nichols said they believe the fire was caused by a heat lamp that was warming some baby chicks the homeowners got. He said a couple dozen baby chicks died in the fire.
The barn belonged to Conal and Nickole Smith.
Firefighters were on scene until around 9 a.m. putting out hot spots, according to Nichols.
