Over 400 piglets lost theirs lives this morning in a tragic farmyard fire in Co. Tyrone.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue service reported that 420 piglets and 33 sows perished in the blaze on Melmount Road in Strabane which began around 5am Thursday morning.
35 firefighters in 6 engines were called to the scene at 5.40am to battle the blaze, containing the fire to two sheds, saving five others as well as 160 piglets and 16 sows.
SDLP MLA from west Tyrone Joe Byrne said that the fire represents a huge loss to the farmer, stating that “to have lost more than 400 animals…is horrifying”.
He displayed his regret over the loss of lives stating that “a significant farm like this makes a major contribution to the local economy”.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.