$250,000 of Alpacas lost in a flash
December 15th, 2009
A fire on an Alpaca Farm in Erie, Colorado, claimed the lives of 14 Alpacas on 14 December. Mountain View Fire Protection District were able to rescue some alpacas from the blaze and prevent the fire spreading from the barn to the resident house some 30 yards away.
Twenty alpacas were trapped inside the barn, however firemen were able to secure an escape for six of the furry creatures before the barn itself collapsed; destroying any chance of liberating the rest. The firemen were conveniently gathered together for a work Christmas party less than 3 miles away, and were fortunately able to get to the farm quickly and efficiently.
Jesse Hodgman of the Fire Department commented on the fact that the firemen had abstained from alcohol during the event, so that should such a situation arise, they would be prepared to serve the community with the utmost effectiveness. The fire was brought under control within 35 minutes. The cause of the fire is still unknown, however fire investigators have remarked that its cause is not particularly suspicious.
The alpaca stock lost amounted to an approximate of $250,000, including one alpaca stud, which was involved in quality breeding programs. The barn itself, containing stables and an office was estimated to be worth around $90,000 also.
Alpacaclothing.net wishes to send their deepest sympathies to the victims of this fate.
Image sourced from: http://www.timescall.com/news_story.asp?ID=19778 by Lewis Geyer