AN investigation is underway after up to 16,000 chickens were killed in a poultry shed fire in Co Fermanagh.
The blaze broke out at the shed close to the village of Belcoo this morning.
Three fire appliances were called to the scene at Marble Arch Road to douse the flames, with firefighters facing "difficult conditions".
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fore and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said officers were alerted to the blaze at around 7.26am.
"A water tanker and appliances from Belleek, Enniskillen and Irvinestown stations attended the scene," the spokesperson said.
"Firefighters using breathing apparatus and water jets worked in difficult conditions to bring the large shed fire under control."
The flames were fully doused by 3.50pm, but it was confirmed yesterday that an estimated 16,000 chickens died in the fire.
The NIFRS spokesperson said an investigation onto the cause of the fire was underway.
Erne West UUP councillor Alex Baird told the Irish News: "Although this was a terrible incident, we must be thankful that no-one was injured as a result of this fire.
"However, the loss of so many thousands chickens will be a huge blow to the owners, financially and otherwise, and my sympathy goes out to them."