Fire investigators are today probing the cause of a huge
farm blaze that killed thousands of chickens.

About 15 firefighters remain at the site, in Frittenden, near
Headcorn, to prepare for the demolition of fire-ravaged
buildings.

Crews stayed overnight to damp down after being first
called to the chicken farm at about 11.20am yesterday.

Thick smoke could be seen from several miles away, pouring from
two outbuildings near the A229 in Cranbook Road.

At its height there were 10 pumps and height fire vehicles.

The Health Protection Agency earlier advised residents and
motorists to keep windows and doors closed, but that is no
longer necessary.

There are no reports of injuries, but a Kent Fire and
Rescue Service spokesman did not know the condition of the
chickens.

Witness Joanna Dunmill, 34, said earlier: "It is pretty serious
stuff.

"We heard the explosion - it sounded like a volcano going
off.

"There is really, really thick black smoke drifting across our
home."