7,000 turkeys killed in large Mass. farm fire

A fast-moving fire at Bob’s Turkey Farm in Lancaster killed at least 7,000 birds on Thursday, and now farm owners are defending how they housed the animals.

No people were hurt in the large blaze, according to CBS Boston, which added that the state fire marshal’s office said that the fire seemed accidental.

The facility housing the baby turkeys, which were being raised for Thanksgiving, was warmed by a gas line that caught fire and was shooting out flames, WCVB reported. Extinguishing the blaze had to be postponed until the gas was shut off.

In an effort to rebut criticism of how the animals were being kept, Bob’s Turkey Farm took to Facebook with photos showing the turkeys living comfortably in the barn before the fire, stating that “they are cuddling, keeping warm and socializing, as they need to in order to grow and live happy/healthy lives,” according to CBS Boston.

“These animals are not just how we pay the bills – they are our passion and to suggest anything else is just ignorant,” Bob’s Turkey Farm’s post was quoted by CBS Boston.