VIRGIL, N.Y. (WHCU) – The Virgil Fire Department says as many as 50 animals have died in a fire.

Firefighters responded to a chicken coop fire around 2:30 on Sunday afternoon. They were able to bring it under control before it spread to a larger adjacent barn. Approximately 40-50 chickens perished in the fire, though one did make it out.

The Virgil Fire Department says the blaze was likely caused by a heat lamp.