An Alexander County poultry operation suffered some minor damage as the result of a fire Tuesday afternoon.
County Fire Marshall Mark Earle says units from Ellendale, Bethlehem, Wittenburg, and Taylorsville were dispatched to a chicken house on McAlpin Lane around 5pm. When firefighters arrived the structure was consumed with smoke. An electrical issue is being blamed as units quickly kept the fire from spreading. Firefighters were able to clear the building of smoke although some birds were lost to smoke inhalation. Earle estimates damages at around $10,000 including damage to the building and a minimal loss of birds.