Chickens Perish in Mardela Springs Coop Fire

A chicken coop fire has displaced a family and left a flock of chickens dead in Mardela Springs. Mardela Springs Firefighters were called to a home on Railroad Avenue Thursday night where they found a chicken coop on fire – a detached shed and one side of the residents home were also damaged. The State Fire Marshal says the blaze, which was discovered by the occupants, was accidental – a heat lamp placed too close to woodchip bedding material in the coop – damage is estimated at $500,000. The occupants are being helped by the American Red Cross and family members.