A fire that erupted on May 23 at Blunier Farms in Forrest, Illinois, threatened the lives of numerous pigs and the livelihood of the farm. However, thanks to the swift action of firefighters and the unwavering support of the local community, a potential disaster was averted, and the majority of the animals were saved.
The fire engulfed one of the farm's five barns, but fortunately, no human injuries were reported. Out of the 535 pigs housed in the barn at the time, only 10 were lost. Kent Blunier, the owner and daily operations manager of Blunier Farms, explained that his father discovered the fire while leaving the farm to have supper.
Firefighters from multiple nearby towns, including Forest-Strawn-Wing, Fairbury, Chatsworth, and others, quickly responded to the emergency. Their coordinated efforts prevented the flames from spreading to other barns, allowing for the evacuation of 525 pigs. Despite the fire smoldering for hours, the firefighters managed to contain it and devised a strategy to safely remove the pigs from the burning structure.
With the assistance of stock trailers, community members herded the pigs to safety. The firefighters displayed exceptional organization and professionalism throughout the operation, and local police helped with traffic control. The solidarity of the community was evident, as neighbors, friends, and even a local food truck owner provided support and nourishment to those involved in the rescue efforts.
While the cause of the fire remains unknown and is under investigation, the Blunier family is grateful for the invaluable lessons learned from this tragic event. Kent Blunier emphasized the importance of adequate insurance coverage and maintaining cleanliness and safety measures around farm buildings. Above all, he expressed profound gratitude for the remarkable community that rallied together during this challenging time.
The incident serves as a reminder of the resilience and compassion found within Illinois' agricultural community. The Blunier family, deeply appreciative of the support they received, recognizes the strength of their community and the remarkable bonds that exist among its members.
Kent Blunier, who is also an at-large director for the Illinois Pork Producers Association and operates the Farm Hats Facebook group, remains committed to his farm's operations and his dedication to sharing the farming experience with others. Blunier Farms, which markets 10,000 hogs annually and cultivates corn and soybeans, is determined to overcome the adversity caused by the fire and continue their important contributions to the agricultural industry.
Photo Credit: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Categories: Illinois, General, Livestock, Hogs