Feather Crest Farms fire could take days to fully extinguish

The fire is contained to two buildings on the property located off Highway 21 near Kurten.
KBTX News 3 at Ten(Recurring)
Published: Jan. 29, 2024 at 5:55 PM CST|Updated: Jan. 29, 2024 at 8:13 PM CST
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BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Multiple fire departments are still battling a large fire burning at a chicken farm in a rural part of Northeast Brazos County.

The fire was reported just after 5 p.m. at Feather Crest Farms near Fickey Road east of Kurten and officials Monday night said it could be days before it’s fully extinguished.

“Monday evening a fire occurred at Feather Crest farm in Kurten, Texas,” said Sam Krouse, MPS Eggs CEO. “The fire affected two chicken houses on site, and we are very sad to say one house had chickens in it at the time that have been lost. We are thankful for the swift actions of our entire team and that they are all safe. We also deeply appreciate the first responders who reached the farm quickly and helped to prevent any further damage.”

Feather Crest Farms in Kurten owned by MPS Eggs is one of six facilities the company owns nationwide. They are the sixth largest egg producer in the country, providing eggs for brands in major stores like Kroger. In total, the company oversees over 11 million hens.

Black plumes of smoke could be seen as far away as Limestone County as two buildings burned on the property but it’s unclear what exactly started it. There is no public threat or hazmat concerns linked to the blaze, authorities said in a news conference Monday evening.

According to Brazos County Sheriff Wayne Dicky, Democrat Road is closed and all lanes of Highway 21 are back open, but authorities are urging people to stay away from the area and not stop on the side of the road to take photos.

The fire is contained to the two buildings but it’ll be later this evening before firefighters have progression stopped on the flames. Part of the challenge in this fire is a tall, metal building is engulfed and walls are beginning to collapse. It’s also too dangerous to send firefighters into the structure.

Authorities say the mission now is to contain the flames and calm winds are helping.

Firefighters from across Brazos, Robertson, and Madison Counties have responded to provide mutual assistance and firefighters are having to shuttle in water to the property from other areas, leaving some residents in the Kurten area with low water pressure.

Brazos County District 2 Volunteer Fire Department is in command at the fire scene.

At this time, no injuries have been reported and we’re told a company spokesperson should be sharing more information on Tuesday.

Drivers are being asked to stay out of the area so emergency crews can continue to come in and out of the property.

Around 6:30 p.m., BTU posted that system operators must take about 140 customers out of service so firefighters can safely respond to the fire.

The facility is in a rural part of the county with few homes nearby.

KBTX News 3 at Six Weekday EXTENDED(Recurring)