A huge fire at Wells Farm in Riverhead Wednesday evening resulting in the total destruction of a barn, and death of numerous animals, and injuries being sustained by several people, including a responding police officer.
The incident took place at the farm, located at 4976 Sound Avenue, at approximately 5 p.m., according to the Riverhead Police Department. Officers responding to 911 calls to find the barn ablaze, at which time they learned from the Wells family that there were many animals inside.
Working quickly, police worked with members of the Wells family to save as many animals as possible; despite their heroic efforts that prevented many of the animals from dying horrific deaths, a large number of chickens and pigs tragically perished in the blaze.
Multiple fire departments responded to combat the fire, including companies from Flanders, Jamesport, Mattituck, Hampton Bays, Cutchogue, Wading River, and Eastport.
In addition to the passing of the animals, three people - two civilians and one police officer - were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and then transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center.
Many of the surviving animals suffered burns, lacerations, and smoke inhalation; they were offered immediate veterinary care by an organization called Humane Long Island, but Eric Wells Sr., the owner of Wels Farm, turned down the offer, noting that they were already up for slaughter anyway.
Wells Sr. would later post on Facebook, thanking responders for their assistance.
“Also, I would like to thank those who helped save as many animals as possible and get them out of the building and into an outside pen where they could get fresh air and be tended to by our personnel,” the post read.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, although authorities are tentatively ruling out that it was intentional.