600 Pheasants Killed in Wern Valley Blaze

Hundreds of pheasants chicks are dead after a fire at Wern Valley Farm destroyed one barn and damaged another barn, Patch’s media partners at WISN 12 News is reporting.

Initial reports from firefighters on scene were that between 3,000 and 8,000 chicks were killed in the blaze. However, the Wern Valley Sportsmen's Club Facebook page is reporting the loss of 600 birds:

Thanks to the Fire Departments for being so awesome. The fire is contained, dying, just two old barns with a few personal things, and about 600 pheasants missing. Everyone is safe. Thanks for everyone's support. Things happen. We're upbeat and okay.

No people were injured in the blaze. The fire was spotted by a passerby before 3 a.m. Tuesday, according to WISN 12 News.

Both barns are a total loss. The fire does not appear to be suspicious, according to a Waukesha County Sheriff's Department news release.

"There were reports of explosions," the release states. "However, during the fire several liquid petroleum tanks heated up and vented which sounded like an explosion." 

 Twenty-nine fire departments from Waukesha, Jefferson and Washington counties responded to the blaze.