Farms: WIllow Ridge Hog Farm Fire, Darien, NY - March 8, 2012

The Miller's from Willow Ridge Farm is a former neighbor of mine. They are a great family to know. A devastating barn fire in the Town of Darien, NY on Thursday March 8, 2012 has taken the lives of 1,000 young pigs. The three-alarm blaze broke out at the Willow Ridge Farms. Fire crews from eight departments helped keep the fire from spreading to other adjacent barns, but flames destroyed a nursery area that contained thousands of young pigs. "We lost around 1,000, what we call nursery age pigs. They would be from 20 to 60 pounds," says co-owner Laurie Miller. Firefighters rescued approximately 400 other pigs that were also inside the same burning structure. "It is a tough situation, and we are blessed to have so many people help us," adds owner Charlie Miller. Willow Ridge Farms is the largest independent hog farm in New York State with 6,500 animals. Thank you to the following volunteer fire departments for their quick responded that helped save the rest of the complete from the fire. Darien, Corfu, Indian Falls, Pembroke, East Pembroke, the Town of Batavia, Attica, Alexander, Bennington, Oakfield, Akron, Alden, Crittenden, and the Batavia city's Fast Team