The Hickman family farms were the latest victims of a fire. According to the Hickman’s website, the fire broke out in Barn 5 and then spread to Barn 6. A spokesperson for Hickman’s said the fire was caused by malfunctioning equipment. One man was hospitalized for smoke inhalation. The fire is still under investigation.
Hickman Family Farms was started by Bill and Gertie Hickman in Glendale, Arizona. Bill drove trucks, organized labor, and tended the chickens. His wife Gertie was the storekeeper and accounted for sales. Today, Glenn Hickman oversees the company’s marketing efforts and expansion. He also enjoys spending time with his family, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren.
The fire killed at least 165,000 egg-laying hens. At least 60 firefighters responded to the scene to put the flames out. The fire broke out in two barns. The fire was reported at about 1 p.m. on Saturday. Fire officials said it was a two-alarm blaze. Fire officials said one person was injured, but is in stable condition.
According to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, the family owns the chicken farm. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into the fire and found no evidence of criminal activity. Moreover, the fire did not contain any election ballots. However, Maricopa County has stored ballots for the 2020 general election in a vault until they were transported on April 22.
