Tragic 2021 Fire at Hickman’s Family Farms: A Call to Action for Tonopah

On March 6, 2021, a devastating fire swept through Hickman’s Family Farms in Arlington, near Tonopah, Arizona, claiming the lives of approximately 165,000 hens and destroying two barns. This catastrophic event, the deadliest barn fire in Arizona since 2013, is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by industrial-scale poultry operations in our community. At Tonopah S.T.O.P.P. (Save Tonopah Oppose Poultry Plant), we view this tragedy as further evidence of the urgent need to address the environmental, health, and safety risks associated with Hickman’s Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). This blog post details the incident, its implications, and how our community can rally to demand change.

The Fire: A Timeline of Events

The fire at Hickman’s Family Farms unfolded rapidly, with significant consequences. Here’s a detailed timeline based on reports:

March 6, 2021, 1:00 p.m.: A fire broke out in Barn 5 at Hickman’s Arlington South facility, near 339th Avenue and Salome Highway. Initial reports suggest an equipment malfunction during cleaning operations, possibly involving a skid steer, sparked the blaze (AZ Central).
Afternoon Response: Firefighters from Buckeye Valley Fire District, Goodyear, Avondale, Harquahala, and Arizona Fire & Medical Authority responded swiftly, escalating the incident to a two-alarm commercial fire. Their efforts focused on containing the blaze to prevent further spread (Wattagnet).
By 4:00 p.m.: The fire spread to Barn 6, destroying both barns and killing approximately 165,000 hens. Firefighters contained the blaze, saving adjacent structures and roughly 1 million hens on the property (ABC15).
Evening Aftermath: One employee was hospitalized for smoke inhalation but was reported stable. No firefighters were injured. Arson detectives from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office began investigating, though no evidence of foul play was found (AZCentral).
March 7, 2021, Onward: Hickman’s, with 26 chicken houses, reported no disruption to egg supply despite the loss. Cleanup began, and counseling was offered to staff affected by the tragedy (Arizona Daily Independent).

Why This Fire Matters to Tonopah

The March 6 fire is not an isolated incident. In April 2019, another fire destroyed a barn under construction at Hickman’s Tonopah facility, raising early concerns about safety protocols (ABC15). The 2021 fire, with its massive loss of animal life and infrastructure, amplifies these worries. For Tonopah S.T.O.P.P., this tragedy underscores the risks of hosting a CAFO with up to 12 million chickens—one of the largest in the U.S.—in our small community.

Environmental Impact: Hickman’s operations already contribute to poor air quality through ammonia and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), exacerbating ozone issues in the Phoenix area. The fire likely released additional pollutants from burning animal waste and materials, threatening the health of nearby residents (ABC15).
Health Risks: Tonopah residents endure noxious odors, flies, and potential respiratory issues from the CAFO. The smoke and ash from this fire could worsen these problems, adding to our community’s burden (KIRO7).
Safety Gaps: The lack of federal fire safety regulations for barns leaves facilities like Hickman’s vulnerable. Experts, including the Animal Welfare Institute, advocate for sprinklers to prevent such disasters, a measure absent at Hickman’s (ABC15). The suspected equipment malfunction highlights the need for rigorous maintenance and oversight.

This fire, which killed 165,000 hens and destroyed two 30,000-square-foot barns, is a wake-up call. It’s not just about the loss of animals or property—it’s about the ongoing threat to our community’s well-being.

A Pattern of Concern

Hickman’s history of fires, including the 2019 incident and this 2021 tragedy, points to systemic issues. The absence of federal mandates for fire suppression systems in poultry barns is a glaring oversight, especially for a facility of this scale. Hickman’s, a major egg producer since 1944, operates across Arizona and beyond, but its massive operations amplify risks. The Arlington South facility, though smaller than others, still houses millions of hens, making any incident a potential catastrophe (Wattagnet).

The 2021 fire’s scale—destroying advanced barns with food, water, and conveyor systems—shows how much is at stake. While Hickman’s reported no supply disruptions, the loss of life and infrastructure demands accountability and preventive action (CNN).

Our Call to Action

Tonopah S.T.O.P.P. has fought since 2014 to protect our community from the environmental and health impacts of Hickman’s CAFO. This fire strengthens our resolve. We demand:

Transparency: Hickman’s must fully disclose the fire’s cause and implement immediate safety improvements.
Stricter Regulations: Regulatory agencies should mandate fire suppression systems and enforce air quality standards to protect Tonopah residents.
Community Unity: We need your voice to push for a safer, healthier future.

How You Can Help

Join Tonopah S.T.O.P.P. in turning this tragedy into a catalyst for change:

Donate: Support our legal and advocacy efforts to hold Hickman’s accountable. Visit tonopahstopp.com to contribute.
Get Involved: Participate in our campaigns to improve air quality, protect health, and promote sustainable alternatives. Sign up on our website.
Spread Awareness: Share this post to amplify our message and rally support.

Conclusion

The March 6, 2021, fire at Hickman’s Family Farms, which killed 165,000 hens and destroyed two barns, is a tragic reminder of the risks posed by industrial poultry operations. For Tonopah, it’s a call to action. We cannot ignore the environmental, health, and safety threats from Hickman’s CAFO. Together, we can demand accountability, push for stronger regulations, and build a cleaner, safer future for our community. Join Tonopah S.T.O.P.P. today—let’s make our voices heard.

Posted by Tonopah S.T.O.P.P. on March 10, 2021