HARVEY COUNTY —Newton Fire crews were on the scene of a large chicken barn fire in the 1400 Block of N West Road after an explosion was reported on Thursday afternoon, according to a social media report from Newton Fire and EMS.
Water tenders from surrounding communities are responding to provide water supply for firefighting operations. Authorities said the fire was caused by a propane explosion.
There was one person in the chicken barn at the time of the explosion who was not injured. Unfortunately, the barn was at or near capacity with 20,000 chickens. The entire structure collapsed. Fire crews will remain on scene throughout the afternoon and evening.