Chicken houses burning near Gilbert Tuesday afternoon

Gilbert, SC 09/09/2025 (Paul Kirby) – Several commercial chicken houses caught fire and burned off Chickasaw Trail Tuesday afternoon. Chickasaw Trail is off Radhaven Road just off Augusta Highway east of the Town of Gilbert.

Firefighters and equipment from across western, southern, and central Lexington County responded. It took a great deal of equipment because at one point, tankers were used because of a lack of a fire hydrant in proximity to the burning houses. Eventually, a number of pumpers dumped their full loads of 5” supply hoses down the dirt lane to the houses to improve the water supply situation. In most cases, Lexington County fire pumpers carry approximately 1000’ of this hose for the supply of water to fire engines.

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At least 2 of the long, metal structures were well involved in fire when the first trucks arrived. Lines were stretched to the large LP Gas cylinders between the burning houses. Firefighters were able to keep these cool so that they caused no further issues.

As of 6:00 p.m. Tuesday evening, the fire appeared to be under control. Some of the apparatus had crews picking the 5” hoses and reloading it on trucks. Lexington County Public Works had a backhoe assisting in pulling away the fallen metal roofing and siding so that the last of the fire could be put out.

It remains to be seen when all the equipment and personnel will be clear of the fire.